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 help soothe them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from births via c-section.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, with lots of technical features for busy new parents including an incline setting for reflux and a soothing centre with amber light for the night and floor with two levels of vibration. It's also light and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep with you during the night in their crib. This protects them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits, and ensure that your child's crib is snugly fitted. It is crucial to keep gaps out of the way as they increase the chance of getting trapped. This is a major hazard. It is also important to keep blankets, pillows, and toys away from the crib.
Find a crib that has mesh panels on the side that you can see through, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat, and ventilated. The slats should be spaced at a minimum of 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard so your child is unable to get out of the crib or put their head over the footboard. Some cribs also have a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers lighting for night and music. These are all great features, but your baby should remain in the crib until they are able to stand up or sit. This usually occurs about 6 months old.
It is also advisable to select a crib that does not have corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby since they create spaces in which their limbs and head may get caught. If you have a crib that contains corner posts, think about removing them to avoid your child getting caught in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib clear of drape cords, as your child could get caught and fall or strangle.
Verify that the cot still safe to use if you're using a cot that is used. It should be in good condition and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It should also not have any rough surfaces or holes. It's also important to ensure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, as cots made before 1973 could have lead paint on them, which can be poisonous for infants.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cot or bassinet is designed to be set close to the mattress of a parent's. This lets newborns rest with their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. It's a great choice for parents who are struggling to get out of bed at night for feeds and comforting, particularly when they've had a difficult birth. Some also double up as a Moses basket or a carrycot for infants to offer safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed by straps that are secure and some come with an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings that can be used with various types of beds. Many cribs have mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility. Some models have a side that can be lower or removed to allow parents direct access to their child. This is useful to feed your baby at night and is a great comforter.
Some cribs are tiltable at one end, which encourages the most natural sleeping position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However, this should be used with extreme caution and only under the advice of a medical professional.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size - "it is much larger than most Moses baskets and feels sturdy 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 babyand then, when you're ready to sleep, simply pull it again."
bedside crib or cot liked how easy it was for her to open and close the door, even if she was exhausted at the end of the night. She also liked the amount of space within the crib to store blankets, nappies and other essentials. She also liked how the mattress was comfy and was a decent size when compared to other cribs for bedside we've tried. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a major plus in the event that you're exhausted from every feed!".
Portability
A crib for bed can be set right beside the bed of a parent. This makes it easy for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort them or breastfeed. It can also help stop the baby from falling over and suffocating. A crib that is safe should have easily-openable sides, so that bleary-eyed mothers can open it in middle of the night. It should also come with a mesh window that keeps an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with its sleek design in Scandi and affordable price. It comes in a range of colors including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is designed to fit divan beds. However, you might require longer straps in order to fit your mattress. Its opening side panel, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all simple to use even for tired new parents.
It's heavier than some of the other crib options and doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's still a good size to fit into its handy carry bag for travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's easy to set up, with clear instructions and simple controls. However, she points out that the fabric is prone to creasing when pulled out of its travel bag.
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 has some additional features, including an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a sturdy, breathable mattress, though some mothers were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other options. It comes with a bag for carrying that is helpful for keeping it clean and dust-free in storage between uses.
Style
A bedside crib can also be known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed right next to your bed. It lets you see your baby's progress and be able to reach them during the night. This is useful for feeding at night and changing the 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 choice for couples who do not share the bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of styles to choose from. Some models feature an additional side panel that can be removed. This allows you to be able to see and touch your child at night, but also prevents the accidental sharing of beds. bedside crib or cot have a pop-up design that lowers to allow you to lift your baby out and then raises automatically.
You'll also have to think about the dimensions of your bed and the width or how narrow you want your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which may be crucial if space is restricted in your home. Some are stronger and larger, which is great for older babies who could be beginning to roll or climb up at night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that can help with ventilation. Some cribs come with mattresses that are removable, and can be washed in the machine and equipped with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux option which can be beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
The safest and most practical options are those that fasten securely to the bed of your parents by straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place even when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful if you have an unusually shape bed or a divan. You might also consider the crib with a fourth wall that is removable and could be used as a playpen or as a babysitter during the day.