Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
bedside crib with wheels is a great choice if you want your baby to be close for a peaceful nighttime feeding. These co-sleepers are a safer alternative to traditional Moses' baskets. They follow the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other organizations.
This crib is a favorite among home testers because it can be adjusted to fit your bed height and swivels all 360 degrees for easy access. Plus, it folds easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are a great option to keep your baby close at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They can be attached to your bed so that you can reach out to soothe or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mothers recovering from having a c-section. There's plenty to consider before you purchase one.
When you're looking for a bedside crib ensure you're buying one that meets current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled due to the fact that they let children fall in gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib or they can pose a danger of strangulation and entrapment. Check that the crib you choose is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which will be launched in November 2020.
The new regulations prohibit cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. Most models have 'half height' walls, which still allow your child to lay on your bed, but also offer a more secure barrier as they sink below your mattress. All of the models on our list comply with these new requirements and include 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 important to ensure that the crib you're considering is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is attached correctly. This is particularly important if you plan to use it with a sidecar sleeper such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby awards.
It is also important to remember that a crib should be used only to sleep and should not be used with bedding or accessories such as pillows, blankets toys, or stuffed animals. The Lullaby Trust, along with the AAP have issued an official safe sleep advice that states that babies should sleep only in their crib or cot and not on a bed for an adult, or any other kind of soft furnishings.
Comfort
A bedside crib lets you keep your baby close by at night without the risk of bed-sharing which can increase the risk of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and comfort your baby in the middle of the night without having to get up. It's a safe and comfortable alternative to a Moses basket or baby bassinet that is suitable for infants and infants up to 6 months old.
The most effective models have slats that are wide and wide enough to allow for air flow. They also feature an opening or window that can be rolled up or down when needed. This makes it easier to change your baby's diapers, nurse him, or check on them during the night. Some models come with an swaddle bag that can help you create a safe sleeping routine.
You want a model that is light and compact when folded, making it easy to move around the house or take away with you. It should also be easy to clean, with a removable and washable mattress cover. The pocket on one side can be used to store extra baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs for bedside use mattresses, while others need to purchase separately. Be sure the mattress is firm, flat and comfortable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-section surgery, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height can give you a better chance of getting into and out of bed with ease particularly in the early weeks when you're still recovering.
Certain models have additional features that are useful for parents, like a tummy tilt for reflux, or detachable to make a moses' basket and later a toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat to store, or comes with a bag. Find out the price and what bedding is included with the crib. It is often necessary to buy separate sheets for your child's cot at bedside.
Style
New mothers love the convenience of bedside cribs, which allow them to monitor their baby during night feeds and diaper changes without getting out of bed. They are also useful for helping babies recover from C-section or any other medical issue like reflux or colic.
The best bedside crib depends on your lifestyle and requirements. In addition to the obvious safety features, think about whether you'd like to be able to lift your baby out of the crib to feed them or comfort them and if it comes with any extras such as the ability to rock. Examine the height and size of your bed to ensure that the crib you select will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are cheaper than Moses Baskets, however they do have some amazing features, like air-tight mesh, see-through sides, incline options for reflux and a height that can be adjusted. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It comes in three colours with stylish oak legs to fit into any bedroom. It's also easy to assemble, fold and comes with a convenient bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs feature side panels that can be lowered during the day, allowing you to touch your baby and sleep in a safe manner, but are raised again at the night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, has this feature, though one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you choose to use in a crib for bed must fit properly and must not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation risks. A majority of cribs come with mattresses. However sheets are available that fit in most retailers. It's a good idea avoid second-hand mattresses as they can be worn down and become deteriorated over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room to room or carry on holidays. The best bedside cribs are compact enough to fit into a carry bag, so they are easy to take along for short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you observe your baby without having to worry about them falling off the mattress or becoming suffocated. It is important to remember that the Lullaby Trust, NHS and other official sleep guidelines suggest that you only sleep with them for the first six months and then have a separate mattress in the same space to minimize the chance of SIDS.
Depending on the model you choose, bedside cribs may have features that add to their ease of use. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test swivels, and can be adjusted in the height to make it easier for you reach in and pick your child up. This model has a sidewall that slopes down. One MFM home tester stated that this gave her have a'simple access" to comfort their child.
Some models include additional features like a rocking function (useful for babies with a lot of fuss) or an incline setting to aid with reflux. These are useful in the event that your child suffers from a condition which causes reflux, but your newborn should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to avoid suffocation or overheating.
Consider how easy it will be to clean the model. Check if the fabric is machine washable and has a waterproof protector that can protect against leaky nappies or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet, which makes it easier to change and wash it.
Other features to consider include the ease with which it can build and how compact when folded away. Consider whether it is easy to attach to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travel. Take note of additional features like a tummy-tilt or the ability to convert it into an oversized Moses basket for older children. This can be helpful when traveling.