Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet type cot that can be attached to your bed. It lets you reach your baby's mouth to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from C-section births.
Our testers from our parent group have praised the SnuzPod 4 for its many technical features. It has an incline for reflux and a soothing center, with an amber nightlight, as well as floorlights with two vibration levels. It's also lightweight and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet) lets your child to sleep next to you at night in their own crib. This helps to protect them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits, and ensure that your child's bed is a good fit. If there are gaps this could increase the chance of entrapment, which is another risk that is serious. It is also important to keep pillows, blankets and toys out of the crib.
Choose large bedside crib that has a mesh side panel which your child can see through and a firm, flat, breathable mattress. The slats must be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart, and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will stop your baby from climbing out of the crib. Many cribs have a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers aswell as rockers, music, and night lights. These are all fantastic features, but your baby should remain in the crib until they are able to sit up or stand. This usually happens around 6 months.
It is also recommended to choose a crib with no corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby since they create spaces where their head and limbs could be trapped. Consider removing these posts from your crib to prevent your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothing. Also, ensure that you keep the crib away from window blind and drape cords as your baby may become entangled in them and fall off or get strangled.
If you're using an old cot, ensure that it is still safe to use. It should be in good working order and sturdy, without loose pieces. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes. It is also essential to check whether the cot has been stripped down and repainted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 could have had lead paint, which can be dangerous for infants.
Easy of Use
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot that is designed to be a safe place beside the bed of a parent, allowing newborns to sleep close to the parent without the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a great option for parents who struggle to get out of bed in the evening for feedings and comforting, especially if they've had a difficult birth. They can also serve as an infant Moses Basket or a baby carrycot to give infants an easier and safer sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the parent's side by straps. Some have the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings, which means they can be used with different types or beds. Many cribs have mesh sides that improve visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down feature that lowers or removes for easy access to the baby from the bed of the parent that aids with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs tilt at one end, which encourages a more natural sleep position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional and extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib - "it is much larger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels strong and rugged - a little like an investment piece, but not too expensive to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its ease of use, especially its swivel bottom and said: "You just spin it around if you need to reach over to check on your babyand then, when you're ready to sleep, simply pull it back."
She also liked how simple it was to open and close the door, even when she was exhausted at night. She also appreciated the amount of space there was in the crib to store blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also appreciated that the mattress was comfortable and spacious compared to other cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - an absolute benefit when you're exhausted from every feed!"
Portability
One of the great things about a bedside crib is that it can be positioned right next to the parents' bed, making it easy to reach baby at night for feeding or to comfort. It can also help keep the baby from falling over and suffocating. A good quality crib must have sides that are open, making it easy for parents with a bleary eye during the night, as well as a mesh window to keep an eye on your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with its sleek Scandi design and a reasonable price. It is available in a variety of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is specifically designed to work with divan beds, however, you may require longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. The opening side panel, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use, even for new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than some of the other crib options, and it doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's adequate to fit into its convenient carry bag for travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and simple controls. However, she points out that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when pulled out of its bag to travel.
You could also choose the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside with wheels, making it much easier to move. It folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with additional features that could appeal, including a storage shelf, six height adjustments and an optional reflux tilt. It also has a zip-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a durable, breathable mattress, although some mums found it a little shallower than other models. It comes with a carrying bag that is useful to keep the mattress dust-free and clean when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib is known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit next to your bed. It allows you to be able to see and touch your baby at night, which is helpful with night feeds and changing nappy. large bedside cot makes it a great choice for parents who want to keep their baby close, but don't want the dangers of sharing a room with a child (such as suffocation and overheating). It is also a good option for couples who don't share a room with their child.
There are a number of different styles you can choose from. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be lowered to let you see and touch your baby throughout the night, but it also prevents accidental bed-sharing. Some pop-ups lower to let the baby to be lifted off the bed, but automatically raise.
You'll also have to think about the dimensions of your bed as well as how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which can be crucial if space is limited in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is great for older babies that may be starting to roll over or get up at night.
Choose a crib that is easy to clean, with breathable fabric and mesh windows that can help with ventilation. Some cribs have a mattress that can be washed in the machine and fitted with a sheet, which is easier to clean than a standard cot mattress. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline option, which is beneficial for reflux sufferers.
Safest and most convenient cribs can be securely attached to the bed of the parents using straps or a locking system that secures it when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. co sleeper bedside cot is helpful when you have a peculiarly shaped bed or a divan. You might also consider a crib with a fourth wall that is removable and can be used as playpen or a babysitter during the day.