Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style crib that is attached to your bed. It allows you to reach your baby's side to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from births via c-section.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, which has numerous technical features that are ideal for parents with busy schedules, including a reflux incline setting and calm centre with amber light for the night and floor with two vibration levels. It is also lightweight and is able to be easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) allows your infant to rest with you at night but in their own crib, keeping them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits and make sure that your child's crib is a good fit. If gaps exist, it may increase the risk of entrapment, which is another serious hazard. It is also essential to keep blankets, pillows and toys from the crib.
Choose a crib with mesh sides that which your child can see through and a firm and breathable, flat mattress. The slats must be no larger than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will stop your baby from climbing out of the crib. Some cribs also have a built-in changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers, lighting for night and music. These are all great features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to stand or sit up. This is usually around 6 months.
It's also essential to select a crib that does not have corner posts, since they can pose a danger to your baby's safety because they create spaces where their head or limbs could get trapped. If you have a crib with these, you should consider taking them out to avoid your child becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Also, be sure to keep the crib free of drapery cords and window blinds as your baby may get caught in them and fall, or even be strangled.
Make cheap bedside cot that the cot is still safe for use if you are using a used cot. It must be in good shape and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes. It is also important to ensure that the cot was taken down and repainted. Cots made before 1973 could have had lead paint, which could be toxic for babies.
Ease of Use
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cot or bassinet, is designed to be positioned on top of the parent's mattress. This lets babies sleep near their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. They're a great option for parents who struggle to get out of bed at night for feeds and comforting, particularly if they've had a difficult birth. They can also be used as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs fasten securely to the side of the parent's bed with a secure strap and some come with a swivel base and adjustable height settings to fit different beds. Many cribs have mesh sides to increase visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down sides that lowers or removes for easy access to the baby from the parent's bed, which helps in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to encourage the natural sleep position that is safe for babies with reflux, colic and other digestive issues. However, this should be used with extreme care and only under the advice of a healthcare professional.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib - "it is much larger than other Moses baskets and feels strong and rugged - a little like an investment piece but not too costly to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use and its swivel bottom and said: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to check on your baby -and when you're ready to sleep, you simply pull it back."
Another thing she was impressed with was the ease with which it was to open and close the door from outside, especially when bleary-eyed in the dark. She also appreciated the space there was inside the crib for stashing blankets, nappies and other essentials. She also loved the mattress's comfort and was a good size in comparison to some of the cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus, the sheets are washable, which is a huge plus when you're exhausted after a meal!".
Portability
One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it can be positioned close to the bed of the parent and makes it simple to reach baby during the night for breastfeeding or comforting. It also prevents baby from falling over, which can occasionally lead to the suffocation. A high-quality crib should have sides that can be easily opened, which makes it easy for parents with a bleary eye at the end of the night, and a mesh window so you can monitor your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek, modern design and low cost. It is available in a variety of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect, and is specifically designed to work with divan beds, however you might require a longer strap to make it compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use, even for new parents.
It's a little heavier than other cribs and it's not able to fold completely flat, but it's still adequate to fit into its handy carry bag to travel with. Mom on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and simple mechanisms. She does point out that the fabric may get wrinkled when taken out of the bag for travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels that means it's more maneuverable, and it folds down completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but it has a few extra features, including a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It comes with a mesh window that zips up for simple cleaning, and a solid mattress that is breathable. Some mothers thought it was a little smaller, but. It comes with a bag for carrying which is great for keeping 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 be placed next to your bed. It lets you see and reach your baby throughout the night, which is helpful with feeding your baby at night and changing nappy. It is ideal for parents who want to keep their children close but do not want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share the bedroom with their child.
There are a number of different styles to pick from. Some models have an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted to lower. This lets you see and touch your child throughout the night, but also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to let you take your baby out of the crib but then raises automatically.
You'll need to take into account the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which could be crucial if space is restricted in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies that may be beginning to roll over or get up at night.
Choose a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that allow for ventilation. Some cribs come with a removable mattress, which can be machine-washed and fitted with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some models have an anti-reflux feature that can be helpful for reflux sufferers.
The safest and most practical options are those that fasten securely to the parents' bed by straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place when in use. Some cribs also come with adjustable legs that be able to work with different bed heights. This could be useful for those with an unusually-shaped divan or bed. Other features you might think about are a detachable fourth wall, which can be used as an infant sitter or play pen during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.