How Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Changed My Life For The Better
Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
If you're looking to keep your baby close to you for the night without any fuss, a crib with a co-sleeper at the bedside is the best option. Co-sleepers are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets. They adhere to the official safe sleeping guidelines from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
Home test subjects love that this crib rotates 360deg for easy access. It also has an adjustable mattress height to match your bed. It is easy to fold and comes with a bag for travel.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by throughout the night without putting them at risk of suffocation or overheating. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out to soothe or feed your child during the middle of night. They're also great for mums recovering after an c-section. There are Cots For Tots of factors to consider before investing in one.
When shopping for a bedside crib ensure you're buying an item that is in line with current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that were recalled due to the risk of strangulation or entrapment posed by the gaps between the mattress and the sides as well as the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering is compliant with the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement which was introduced in November of this year.
The most significant change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs will no longer have completely drop-down sides. Most models have 'half height walls that allow your child to lie beside your bed, but offer a more secure barrier since they are a bit below your mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements which includes the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards in 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering purchasing is able to attach securely to your bed and is attached correctly. This is especially important if you intend to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system, such as the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It is crucial to remember, too, that a crib is only intended for sleep and should not be used with bedding or other items like pillows, blankets, toys, or stuffed animal. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines which state that infants should only sleep in their crib or cot and not on a bed that is used by an adult or any other type of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib for bedside use allows you to keep your child close at night, without the danger that they might be shared with other babies. This can increase the chance of SIDS. You can also reach over to soothe your baby without getting out of bed in the middle night. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies up to 6 months old.
The top models offer excellent breathability and slats that are wide enough to let air flow. They also have a door and/or window that can be rolled up or down when needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diaper, nurse them, or check on them throughout the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You'll want a mattress that is light and compact when folded so it's easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. The mattress cover should be removable and washable, making it simple to clean. A pocket on the other side is handy for storing spare nappies and baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bedside include the mattress, while other require you to purchase a mattress separately. Make sure the mattress is flat, firm, and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height to ensure that it's in line with the size of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering from C-sections, a bedside crib with an adjustable height gives you a better chances of getting in and out of bed with ease especially in the initial weeks when you're still healing.
Certain models come with additional features that can be useful for parents, like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or the ability to detach to become a moses basket and later a toddler playpen. Other extras to consider are whether the crib rocks or folds down to lay flat for storage or comes with a bag for travel. Check the price and see what bedding is included in the crib. It is common to buy separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
New mothers are enthralled by the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to keep an eye on baby during feedings at night and nappy changes without getting out of the bed. They also aid in helping babies recover from c-section or other medical conditions such as colic or reflux.
The best crib is contingent on your needs and your lifestyle. Consider the safety features and if you will be able remove your baby from the crib in order to feed them or soothe them. Also, check whether the crib is equipped with extras, such as rocking capabilities. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to make sure that the crib you choose will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets, but don't be fooled they're packed with fantastic features like breathable mesh and see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our preferred choice, as it blends practicality and style to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors with elegant oak legs that make it a great fit for any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble and fold up, and comes with a handy carry bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be removed during the day, allowing you to hold your baby and co-sleep safely, but are raised again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for instance, however one of our MFM Home testers had difficulty getting it to use initially.
You must ensure that the bedding you choose for a crib beside a bed is properly fitted. There should not be gaps or other openings, that could lead to the suffocation. This is why a lot of cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they will wear out and degrade with time increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room room or take with you during holidays. The best bedside cribs are small enough to fit in bags, so you can easily take them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe your baby without worrying about them falling off the mattress or suffocating. It's important to keep in mind that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first 6 months with an additional mattress in the same room to decrease the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may include features that enhance their convenience. For example, one of the top-rated models we tested in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy for you to reach inside and pick up your child. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which an MFM home tester said gave her "easy access" to hold their baby.
Some models include additional features, such as a rocking feature (useful for babies who are fussy) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux but remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
Think about how easy it is be to clean the model. Find out if the fabric can be machine washed and if there's a mattress protector that is waterproof that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or spills. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet that allows you to change and wash it.
Consider the ease of assembly and compactness when folded. Be sure to check if it is easy to put together and if it comes with an included bag to carry it on the road. Consider if the product has additional features like a tummy-tilt or the possibility of converting it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when traveling.