Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A crib that sleeps in bed is a great choice if you want your baby close by for fuss-free nighttime feeding. They're a safer alternative to traditional Moses baskets, following official safe sleeping guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
This crib is a favorite by home testers due to the fact that it can be adjusted to fit your bed's height and rotates a full 360 degrees for easy access. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep your baby close during the night without risking overheating or suffocating. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out and soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They're also great for mothers recovering from having a c-section. There are a lot of things to consider before investing in one.
If you're shopping for a bedside crib make sure you're choosing an item that is in line with current safety standards. Many older cribs have been recalled due to the fact that they allow babies to slide through gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Make sure the crib you choose meets the new BS EN1130:2019 safety standard, which is scheduled to be introduced in November 2020.
The biggest change in the new regulations is that bedside cribs can no longer have completely drop-down sides. Instead, most models feature half-height walls that allow your baby to lay next to your bed, but provide more of a protective barrier by sinking slightly lower than the mattress. All of the models on our list conform to these new requirements, including the Graco Pack 'n Play on the Go and the Chicco Lullago that were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2017.
It's also worth checking if the crib you're considering purchasing is capable of being securely attached to your bed and is secured properly. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleep system like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards.
It's also important to keep in mind that the crib is intended to sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets toys or animals that are stuffed. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep guidelines that state that babies should sleep only in their cribs or cots and not on a bed for an adult, or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib will allow you to keep your child close during the night, without having to take the risk that they may be sharing a crib with another infant. This could increase the risk of SIDS. It also allows you to easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without needing to get out of bed. It's a safe, convenient and comfortable alternative to the Moses basket or infant bassinet for babies and babies as young as 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats which are wide and spacious enough to allow for air circulation. You can also roll up and down the window or door as you need. It is easy to change the diaper of your baby and nurse them or check on them at night. Some models also include the swaddle sack, which can help you to have a secure sleep routine.
You want a model that is light and compact when folded making it easy to move around the house or to take with you on your travels. It should also be easy to clean, with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. A pocket on one side is handy to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some cribs with a bed come with a mattress, while others have to buy separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed for your specific model and is firm, flat and breathable. Avoid mattresses that are second-hand as they could increase the risk of SIDS.
Find a crib that has an adjustable height so that it matches the height of your own bed. Particularly if you're recovering a C-section, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height will give you a greater chances of getting in and out of bed with ease, especially during the early weeks of recovering.
Some models include useful extras, such as the tummy-tilt feature for reflux or a detachable moses bin that can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Check if the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. It's also worth checking the cost of the crib and what bedding is included - it's usually necessary to purchase separate sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
New mums appreciate the convenience of bedside cribs that allow them to monitor their baby during night feeds and changing nappy without having to get out of bed. They're also great for helping babies settle after a c-section or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as colic or reflux.
The ideal crib for your bed is contingent on your lifestyle and requirements. Be aware of safety features and if you will be able remove your baby from the crib in order to feed or calm them. Also, make sure to check if the crib has any extras, like a rocking feature. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you select can be comfortably.
Bedside cribs tend to be more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're still loaded with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, reflux incline options and a height that can be adjusted. Our top pick is the Tutti Bambini CoZee, which blends style and practicality to create the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, so it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to put together and fold, and comes with a handy bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that can be removed during the day to allow the baby to be held and sleep in a safe manner however, they are raised at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, although one of our MFM home testers had difficulty getting it to use at first.
It is essential to ensure that the bedding you use for a crib next to a bed is properly fitted. There should be no gaps or other gaps, which could lead to suffocation. This is the reason that many cribs come with mattresses that are fitted, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most stores. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses as they are prone to wear and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them much easier to move from room to room or take with you on holidays. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning you can easily take them along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for parents and babies as they let you see your baby at night without the fear of them falling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines recommend you only co-sleep your baby with them for the first six month and then have an additional mattress in the same room to reduce the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you pick, bedside cribs can feature features that increase their convenience. For example, one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests can swivel and adjusts height so it's easy to reach inside and take your baby. The sidewall of this model which dips down. One MFM home tester reported that this provided her with 'easy access" to comfort their child.
Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings to help with reflux. These can be useful to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux. However, remember that your newborn should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a fabric be aware of how easy it will be to keep clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable, and if it has a waterproof protector to guard against leaky nappies or drips. Some cribs with a bedside have a fitted sheet, which allows you to wash and change it.
Other factors to consider include how easy it is to put together and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure the bed is easy to attach and if there's an included bag to carry it on the road. Check if the product comes with additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. bedside cosleeper is a great feature when traveling.