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, and are in line with the official guidelines for safe sleeping from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.
Home testers love that this crib swivels 360deg for easy access and comes with an adjustable mattress to match your bed. Additionally, it folds easily and comes with a bag for travel for trips away from home.
Safety
Bedside cribs are an excellent way to keep baby close by at night without the risk of overheating or suffocating. They attach to your bed, so you can reach out and soothe or feed your child in the middle night. They are also ideal for mums recovering after a c section. But there's a lot to think about before you invest in one.
When choosing a crib to put next to your bed, make sure that the crib you pick meets current safety standards. A lot of cribs older than that have been recalled because they let children fall through the gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib, or they can pose a danger of strangulation or entrapment. Check that the crib you pick is in compliance with the new BS EN1130 safety standard, which is scheduled to be in place in November 2020.
The new rules forbid cribs for bedside use from having sides that completely fall down. The majority of models have 'half-height walls that allow your child to sleep on your bed, but offer a more secure barrier because they sink a little beneath 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 that the crib you're considering purchasing is secure enough to be attached to your bed and is anchored correctly. This is especially crucial if you plan to use the crib with a sidecar sleeping system like the Graco Pack 'n Play On The Go or the Graco BassiNest Premiere which were both shortlisted for the Mother&Baby Awards.
It is also important to remember that the crib should be used only for sleeping and should never be used in conjunction with bedding or accessories like 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 that is used by an adult or any other type of soft furniture.
Comfort
A crib for your bed lets you keep your baby close by throughout the night, without the danger of bed-sharing, which could increase the chance of SIDS. It also means that you can easily reach out and comfort your baby during the middle of the night without having to get up. It's an alternative to a Moses Basket or infant bassinet that is safe, convenient, and comfortable for your new baby and babies up until 6 months of age.
The best models feature good breathability and slats that are wide enough and open enough to allow airflow. They also come with windows or doors that can be rolled up or down as needed. This makes it simple to change your baby's diapers, nurse him or check on them during the night. Some models include a swaddle bag to help you create a safe sleeping routine.
It should be compact and light when folded so that it is easy to carry around the house. It must also be easy to clean, with a the option of removing and washing the mattress cover. The pocket at the other end can be used to store spare baby clothes and nappies.
Some cribs for bedside use a mattress, while others need to purchase separately. Be sure that the mattress you purchase is designed specifically for your model and is flat, firm and breathable. Avoid second-hand mattresses as they can increase the risk of SIDS.
Find the right crib that can be adjusted to match the height of your bed. Particularly if you're recovering C-sections, a bedside crib that has an adjustable height gives you a better chances of getting in and out of bed quickly particularly in the early days of recovering.
Some models include useful extras, like an adjustable tummy tilt to prevent reflux, or a detachable moses basket which can later be used as a playpen for toddlers. Check if the crib is rocking, or can be folded flat for storage or comes with bags. Look at the cost and find out what bedding comes with the crib. It is common to purchase separate sheets for your child's cot bed.
Style
Bedside cribs are an excellent option for mothers who are new. They allow them to monitor their baby at night and during diaper changes without getting out of the 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 bedside crib will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Apart from the obvious safety features, you should consider whether you want to be able to lift your child from the crib to feed them or comfort them, and if it has any additional features, such as the ability to rock. Consider the height and dimensions of your bed to make sure that the crib you pick will fit comfortably.
Bedside cribs are less expensive than Moses Baskets, however they do have some excellent features, including breathable mesh and see through sides, reflux incline option and adjustable height. The Tutti Bambini CoZee is our favorite, since it combines both practicality and style into the perfect co-sleeper. It's available in three colors and comes with stylish oak legs, which means it's sure to fit in your bedroom. It's also easy to fold and assemble, and comes with a convenient travel bag for trips to visit the grandparents.
Some cribs have side panels that lower down to let you touch your baby during the day and to ensure a safe co-sleeping experience However, they will appear again at night. The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper, for instance, comes with this feature, though one of our MFM home test participants found it difficult to use initially.
The bedding you put in a crib for bed must be fitted properly and should not leave any gaps that could act as suffocation hazards. That's why many cribs come with a fitted mattress, but you can find suitable sheets at most retailers. Avoid second-hand mattresses because they are likely to wear out and become worse with age and increase the chance of SIDS.
Bedside cribs also are much smaller and lighter than Moses baskets. This makes them more convenient to move from room room, or to take on trips on. The most effective bedside cribs are small enough to fit into a carry bag, so you can easily bring them with you on short trips.
Convenience
Bedside cribs are ideal for new babies and parents because they allow you to watch your baby at night without the danger of them falling off your mattress or becoming suffocated. 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 six month 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 convenience. One of the cribs that received the highest ratings in our MFM home test swivels, and is adjustable in the height so that it is easier to reach and pick your child up. The model also has a sidewall that dips down, which one MFM home tester said gave her "easy access" to hold their infant.
Some models come with extras like a rocking function (great for babies with a lot of fuss) or incline settings that aid with reflux. These are helpful for children with a condition which causes reflux, but your infant should be sleeping on an even, firm mattress to prevent suffocation and overheating.
When selecting a fabric, consider the ease to keep clean. Make sure the fabric is machine washable and if it has a mattress protector with waterproof properties, which will protect from leaky nappies, infant sick or dribbles. Some cribs for bedside use a fitted sheet that makes it easier for you to wash and change it.
Think about the ease of assembly and the compactness when folded. Make sure the bed is simple to attach and if there's bags included to travel with. Consider if the product has additional features, such as a tummy tilt or the capability to transform it into a Moses basket for older children. This can be useful for those who travel.