Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to your bed and allows you to access your baby for evening feedings or to help bring them back to sleep. These are especially useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which comes with numerous technical features that are ideal for parents with busy schedules, including a reflux incline setting and soothing centre with amber light for the night and floor with two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) allows your baby to sleep with you at night in their own crib. This protects them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and make sure that the crib is a good fit. It is crucial to avoid gaps as they increase the chance of entrapment. This is a serious risk. It is also crucial to keep blankets, pillows, and toys away from the crib.
Look for a crib with mesh panels on the side that you can see through and a mattress that is firm, flat, and airy. The slats should be placed at a minimum of 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby cannot climb out of the crib or put their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves for storing wipes and diapers aswell as music, rockers, and night lights. These are all great features, but your baby should remain in the crib until they can stand or sit up. This usually occurs about 6 months old.
It's also important to pick a crib without corner posts as they could pose a risk to your baby by creating spaces where their head or limbs could get trapped. If you have a crib with corner posts, think about removing them to prevent your baby from becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Also, ensure that you keep the crib away from window blind and drape cords as your baby may become entangled and fall or be strangled.
If you're using an old cot, make sure it is still safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and should be solid and well-maintained with no loose components. It is also essential to verify whether the cot has been stripped down and painted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 may have contained leaded paint, which can be dangerous for infants.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib is a cot or bassinet designed to be placed safely next to the parent's bed and allow newborns to rest close to their parents without the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They are a great choice for parents who have a difficult time getting out of bed to feed their baby or to comfort them during the night, especially after a difficult birth. Some also double up as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side using a strap. Some have an adjustable swivel and swivel settings so they can be used with different types or beds. Many have mesh sides for improved airflow and visibility, too. Some models come with an option to have the side moved up or down to give parents direct access to their child. This is helpful for nighttime feedings and comforting.
Some cribs tilt at one end, allowing an easier sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. This is only done under the supervision of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib and weight "it is a lot larger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels sturdy and robust - it's like an investment piece but not so expensive as to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience and its swivel bottom, saying: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to look over your babyand then, when you're ready to go back to sleep, you just pull it again."
She also liked how simple it was to shut and open the door, even if she was exhausted at the end of the night. She also appreciated the space was available within the crib to store blankets, nappies and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and a good size compared to some of the cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a major plus when you're exhausted after a feed!".
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it can be positioned right next to the parent's own bed and makes it simple to reach baby at night to nurse or comfort. It also helps prevent baby falling over, which can often lead to death. A crib that is safe should have easily-openable sides for mothers who are tired can open it in the middle of night. It should also come with a mesh window that keeps an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek, modern style and affordable price. It is available in a variety of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to be compatible with divan beds, however, you may require longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all simple to use even for sleepy new parents.
It's a little bulkier than other cribs, and isn't able to fold flat. However, it's nevertheless a decent size to fit in its convenient carry bag when travelling. Mum in the BabyCentre forums commented that it was easy to set up, thanks to its clear instructions and simple mechanism. However, she notes that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when pulled out of its bag to travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside that has wheels, making it more maneuverable. It can also fold completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, like a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It also has a zip-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a durable, breathable mattress, although some mums felt it was a bit shallower than other models. It comes with a bag for carrying that is helpful to keep it dust-free and clean during storage between uses.
Style
A bedside crib can also be known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit next to your bed. It lets you view your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is useful for night feedings and changing nappy. This makes it a great choice for parents who wish to keep their child close but don't want the dangers of sharing a room with a child (such as suffocation or overheating). It's also a great option for couples who do not share the bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of different styles you can choose from. Some models have a side panel which can be adjusted to lower. This lets you see and touch your child at night, but also prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-ups lower to let you lift your baby from the bed, but then automatically raise.
You'll need to take into account the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact, which is important when you are limited on space in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies that may be starting to roll over or pull themselves up at night.
Choose a crib that is easy to clean, with mesh windows and breathable fabric that can help with ventilation. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine-washable and is fitted with a sheet that is easier to clean than the standard cot mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline feature, which is beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
bedside crib and cot and practical options are those that fasten securely to the bed of your parents with straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that accommodate different bed heights, which could be useful if you have an unusually-shaped divan or bed. It is also possible to consider a crib that has a removable 4th wall that can be used as a playpen or as a babysitter during the daytime.