The 6 Best Bedside Cribs
Special Honors
SnuzPod3 This is a 3-in-1 product that can function as a standalone crib, a bedside crib, and a removable bassinet, offering parents convenience and giving baby a cozy place to sleep. It includes a reflex leg that you can use to keep your child at a slight angle, and it can also be rocked easily by a parent. snuz.co.uk
Editor's Notes
February 18, 2020:
Joining our selection today is the Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue, which features see-through sides that allow you to see your baby at all times, and it can be adjusted easily to the height of your bed. It’s easy to move around, as needed, thanks to its smoothly rolling wheels, and it gives you plenty of storage room in the basket underneath. Once your child is older and able to sit up independently, you can convert this versatile choice into a play yard.
Another new addition is the Baybybay 167100, which resembles a traditional crib, but is designed for bedside use. It’s made in Germany with sustainably sourced beech wood, and is available either unfinished, or in finishes of white or walnut. For every tree the manufacturer cuts down, they plant a new one. Note that you’ll need a guardrail, which is sold separately by the manufacturer. The same applies for a mattress and bed sheet.
The Delta Children Sweet Beginnings also comes on board, as an elegant, traditional style bassinet with a pretty skirt and a canopy that’s both adjustable and completely removable. This one comes with a mattress pad and a fitted sheet, and it also includes a large bottom storage area and wheels that are lockable and make it convenient to move around your home, as needed.
All of the products on our list are certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association (JPMA), which is the voice of the industry on quality and safety for children’s products. A JPMA certification confirms a given product complies with standards set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). This international organization creates voluntary consensus standards for a wide range of products and services. In the case of a crib or a bassinet, it should lie flat, and not be tilted to any angle which could cause an infant to roll and become entrapped against any fabric, wall, or railing. Before buying any product your baby will sleep in, be sure to check that it’s JPMA certified, and follow the setup and usage instructions very carefully.
July 23, 2019:
When identifying the best bedside cribs, safety was a top priority. We took things like suffocation risk, tip resistance, child positioning, and overall build quality into account. In addition, we also looked at properties that add convenience to a parent's life, such as portability, access to a sleeping infant, and ease of cleaning. After much consideration, we are confident we have found the best bedside cribs.
When it comes to safety, we believe using a true bedside crib is a better option than a co-sleeper, but we realize some parents feel that co-sleeping can produce a stronger parent-child bond, so we still included some on our list. That being said, the Mumbelli Womb was specially designed to mimic how a child felt when in the mother's belly, so it may help a newborn sleep better through the night. It also holds an infant in a safe position and limits side-to-side movement.
While on the topic of recreating the feelings of being inside the womb, we want to mention the Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper. There is no doubt it is one of the most high-tech models on the market. It recreates the sounds of being inside the womb, and even responds to an infant's cries by increasing or decreasing the volume and motion until a child is soothed. Unfortunately, while it should help you get a few more ZZZs throughout night, it is extremely expensive. Since children generally only use a bedside crib for three to six months before transitioning to a full-size crib, this model's high price made it hard for us to give it a better ranking.
The Halo Swivel and Halo Twin Bassinet produce nature sounds and lullabies, and provide some form of motion, either rocking or vibrations, to sooth a child.
The Baby Delight Beside Me Dreamer,Mika Micky Portable, Halo Twin Bassinet, and Halo Swivel all have sides that either zip or tilt down. This can be very convenient when reaching over to soothe an infant at night, but we recommend you never leave your child unsupervised with the wall down for safety reasons. This also means keeping the wall fully raised while you are sleeping.
Why Your Baby Should Sleep In A Bedside Crib
Even if you've decorated a whole separate bedroom specifically for your baby, you should still keep them sleeping in your room for at least six months.
There are so many things to consider when you bring home a brand new baby, such as how to create a safe and tranquil bedtime environment. Today, medical professionals recommend new babies be put to sleep in a crib separate from the parents' bed, but in the same room.
Safety is the main reason you should invest in a bedside crib. Having a crib that is either attached to or beside your sleeping area gives you instant access to your baby should she become fussy or distressed. You will be able to hear the noises your baby makes throughout the night, which are clues that indicate their mood and level of comfort.
Sleeping together with your baby in the same bed may seem natural, but it is actually rather dangerous. To avoid any accidents, experts advise that newborns be put down in a beside crib as opposed to co-sleeping in the parental bed.
As mentioned above, one of the best things about the bedside crib is that it allows parents to be close to their child around the clock. It's easier to get in sync with a baby's habits if you're in close proximity to them, whether you're wide awake or tucked into bed. When your kid wakes up in the middle of the night wanting to be fed, all you have to do is lean over your bed to reach her and address her needs. You won't have to go through a nightly routine of multiple trips between your room and the baby's room in order to make sure everyone's safe and comfortable.
Even if you've decorated a whole separate bedroom specifically for your baby, you should still keep them sleeping in your room for at least six months. Beyond that point, leaving your child alone in their very own bedroom is perfectly fine. With a bedside crib, your baby will always be secure and close to you during their formative first months.
Features To Look For In A Bedside Crib
Bedside cribs come in an incredible number of designs, which can make finding the right one a challenge. Review the following features to determine what type of crib is right for your family.
The first thing to look at is the size of the crib. Be sure to choose a model that will match the height of your bed. Some bedside cribs come with adjustable legs for convenience.
There are lots of models that come with wheels attached, making it simple to move the unit around the house.
If you like to keep your supplies nearby for those times that midnight feedings or changings are necessary, choose an option that comes with built-in storage space. Many cribs feature baskets that can be used for storing wipes, bottles, and whatever else you might want to keep on hand. Similarly, there are models that come with attached fabric pockets so you can always stay organized.
Another aspect you should take into account is how portable the crib is. There are lots of models that come with wheels attached, making it simple to move the unit around the house. Frequent travelers will be happy to know that some cribs can be completely collapsed and transported within carrying bags.
The crib's construction is something to think about, as well. Mesh walls will allow you to see your baby whether you're close by or across the room. If you have concerns about maintenance, go for a model that comes with a machine-washable mattress pad.
For lulling baby to sleep, many bedside cribs boast comfort features. There are options that have vibration settings, while others can be rocked manually. A crib that plays music can come in handy during those restless nights. Finally, you'll notice some models sport visual stimuli in the form of mobiles and lights. It's wonderful to have these tools on your side when the time comes to put a baby down for a nap.
Bedside cribs are available in designs to match interior decorating schemes of all types. From contemporary to classic, there's a crib out there that will complement your furniture and decor nicely.
Tips For Helping Your Child Fall Asleep
Establishing a consistent sleep routine with a new baby can be difficult. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to create an environment that your infant will associate with sleep.
You don't have to wait until they fall asleep in your arms before putting them to bed.
Start subtly preparing your child for bed ahead of time. Dim the lights and lower the volume of any noise-producing devices an hour or two before it's time for sleep. When your baby appears tired but hasn't dozed off quite yet, set them down in the crib. You don't have to wait until they fall asleep in your arms before putting them to bed.
If your baby requires additional comfort come bedtime, allow them to sleep with a pacifier. Pacifiers provide gentle stimulation and give babies a chance to soothe themselves before resorting to crying out for a parent. In the same vein, sometimes a late-night feeding can promote a better night's rest, too. During sleep hours, always approach your baby calmly and quietly, so as not to excite them.
It can be tempting to fill your child's crib with stuffed animals and soft blankets, but it's important to resist that urge. Cribs should not contain any loose items whatsoever. Plush toys and extra bedding can potentially obstruct the breathing of a newborn, or cause them to overheat.
Getting your new son or daughter to fall asleep isn't always easy (or fast), but if you keep these notes in mind and put your child down in a bedside crib, the process should run a bit more smoothly. Best of all, you'll always be right there when your baby needs you.