How Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Has Changed My Life The Better
Is a Bedside Crib Co Sleeper Right For Your Baby?
A bedside crib and travel cot crib with a co-sleeper is a fantastic option when you want your baby close to you for a relaxed nighttime feeding. They are a safe alternative to traditional Moses baskets, and are in line with 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 all 360 degrees for easy access. It folds up easily and comes with a travel bag for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside rocking crib cribs allow you to keep your baby close to you at night without fear of suffocation. They are attached to your bed so that you can reach out and soothe or feed your child during the middle of the night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after having a c-section. There are a lot of things to consider prior to purchasing one.
If you are searching for a crib to place beside your bed, be sure that the crib you pick conforms to 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, the sides and the crib. Make sure the crib you are considering meets the new BS EN 1130:2019 safety requirement, which was introduced in November 2020.
The most significant change in the new rules is that large bedside cot cribs can not be made with completely drop-down sides. The majority of models have 'half-height' walls, which still allow your child to lie on your bed, but offer a more secure protection as they sink below the mattress. All models on our list meet these new requirements. This includes the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go and the Chicco Lullago which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Award 2017
It's also worth checking that the crib you're considering purchasing is able to attach securely to your bed and is secured correctly. This is particularly crucial if you intend to use it with a sleeper that is a sidecar, such as the free-standing Graco Pack 'n Play on the move or the Graco BassiNest Premiere, which were both shortlisted in the Mother&Baby awards.
It's important to remember that a crib is only meant for sleeping, and is not meant to be used with bedding or other accessories like toys, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animal. Official advice for safe sleep from The Lullaby Trust and the AAP is that babies should only rest in their own bed space in their crib or cot, and not on an adult bed or other mattress or soft furnishings.
Comfort
A crib that is placed near your bed lets you keep your baby close throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which can increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach over and soothe your baby during the middle of the night without having to get out of bed. It's a great alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that's safe, practical, and comfortable for your newborn baby and infants up to 6 months of age.
The top models offer good breathability with slats wide enough to let air flow. You can also move the door or window according to your needs. This makes it easy to nurse, change your baby, or check on them during the night. Some models include a swaddle bag to aid in creating a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to transport around the home. It is also easy to clean, with a a removable and washable mattress cover. A pocket on the other side is useful to store nappies or baby clothes.
Some bedside cribs include a mattress, while others require you to purchase one separately. Make sure the mattress is designed specifically for your model and is flat, firm and airy. Avoid second-hand mattresses since they increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the height of your bed. Especially if you're recovering from C-section surgery A bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a greater chance of getting into and out of bed easily especially in the initial days of healing.
Certain models have additional features that are useful like tilting the tummy to help with reflux, or the ability to detach to become a moses basket and later toddler playpen. Be sure to consider whether the crib is rocking, able to be folded flat for storage, or comes with bags. It's also worth looking into how much the model costs and what bedding is included. It's not uncommon to purchase additional sheets for your baby's bedside crib.
Style
wooden bedside cot cribs are a fantastic alternative for mothers who are just starting out. They allow them to keep an eye on their baby during the night and during diaper changes without having to get out of the bed. They are also a great way to help babies settle after a csection or in the aftermath of other medical conditions, such as reflux or colic.
The best bedside cots crib for your child is based on your requirements and your lifestyle. Take into consideration the safety features and if you are able to remove your baby from the crib in order to feed them or calm them. Also, consider whether the crib is equipped with additional features, like rocking features. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to ensure that the crib you choose will be able to fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are generally more affordable than Moses baskets however don't be deceived they're packed with great features like the breathable mesh and clear sides, incline options for reflux and an adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favourite, as it combines both style and practicality into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colours and has smart oak legs, so it's perfect for your bedroom. Plus, it's easy to put together and fold, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that slide down to allow you to touch your baby during the day, and for safer co-sleeping, but then appear again at the night. This feature is available on the Arm's Reach Clear View Co-Sleeper for example, but one of our MFM Home testers found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you put in a crib for bed must fit properly and not leave any gaps that could be used as suffocation dangers. That's why many cribs have a fitted mattress, but you can purchase suitable sheets at most retailers. It is a good idea to avoid mattresses that are second-hand, as they may be worn out and become deteriorated over time, potentially increasing the risk of SIDS.
Bedside cribs are also much lighter and more portable than Moses baskets which makes them easy to move from room room or to take along on holidays. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into the carry bag, meaning you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs let you see your baby without worrying about them rolling off the mattress or suffocating. But, it's important to note that official safe sleep guidance from the Lullaby Trust and NHS recommends that you only sleep with your baby for the first six months with a separate bed in the same room to lower the risk of SIDS.
Depending on the model you pick, large bedside crib cribs can have features that add to their convenience. For instance one of the top-rated models in our MFM home tests is swivels and adjusts height, making it easy for you to reach in and pick up your little one. This model also has a sidewall with a dip down, which one MFM home tester described as giving her 'easy access' to soothe their baby.
Some models have extra features like a rocking feature (great for babies who are fussy) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These may be handy to have if your baby has an illness that causes reflux, but be aware that your baby should rest on a flat, firm mattress to avoid suffocation and overheating.
When choosing a model take into consideration the ease to clean. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed and if it comes with a mattress protector with waterproof properties that protects you from leaky nappies, infant sick or spills. Some cribs come with a fitted sheet that makes it easier to wash and change.
Other features to consider include how easy it is to put together and how compact it is when folded away. Make sure it's simple to attach to your bed, and if it comes with a bag for travelling. Lastly, consider if it has extras like tilting your tummy or the option to turn it into a moses basket for older babies - this is a great option for traveling.