Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that can be attached to your bed. It lets you reach your baby's side to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, with many technical features for parents with busy schedules, including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a calm centre with amber nightlight and floorlight with two vibration levels. It's also lightweight and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) lets your child to sleep near you during the night in their own crib. This protects them from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits and that your child's mattress fits snugly. If gaps exist this could increase the chance of being entangled, which is a danger. It's also important to ensure that the crib is free of any items that could pose an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Find a crib that has a mesh panel on one side that you can see through, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat, and breathable. 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 child is unable to leave the crib or put their head over the footboard. Many cribs have a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers aswell with music, rockers and night lights. These are great features to have but remember that your baby should stay in their own crib until they're able to stand or sit, around 6 months old, at which point they're able to sleep in a different crib.
It is also recommended to choose a crib with no corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby since they create spaces in which their limbs and head could be stuck. If you have a crib with corner posts, think about removing them to prevent your baby from getting caught in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib clear of window blind cords and drape cords as your baby could get caught and fall or strangle.
If you're using a secondhand cot, check that it's still safe to use. It should not have any rough surfaces, holes or peeling paint and should be sturdy and in good condition with no loose parts. It is also essential to make sure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, as the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have lead paint on them, which is harmful to babies.
User-Friendliness
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot that is designed to sit safely beside a parent's bed and allow newborns to rest close to their parents without any of the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are an excellent option for parents who have a difficult to get out of the bed to feed their infant or soothe them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also be used 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 the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings, so they can be used with different types or beds. Some cribs come with mesh sides that improve visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down side which can be removed or lowered for easy access to the baby from the bed of the parent, which helps in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs are tiltable at one end, which can encourage the most natural sleeping position for babies with reflux or colic. However it is recommended to use this method with extreme care and only with the guidance of a health professional.
MFM home tester Jasmine liked the size of the crib and said "it's significantly larger than the majority of Moses baskets, and feels sturdy and robust - a bit like an investment piece but not so costly that it's unaffordable." She also appreciated the ease of use, particularly the pivoting base, stating: "You can just spin it around to reach across in case you need to check on babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, you can simply pull it up again."
She also appreciated how easy it was to open and close the door, even when she was exhausted at night. She also liked the amount of space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also liked the mattress's comfort and spacious compared to some of the other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is a major bonus when you're exhausted from every feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be set right beside the bed of a parent. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child at night to comfort or feed their baby. It also helps prevent baby rolling over, which can sometimes cause death. A high-quality crib must have sides that are easily opened, which makes it easy for parents who are tired at the end of the night, as well as a mesh window to monitor your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek style and affordable price. It is available in a variety of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect and is designed to work with divan beds however you might require longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline, and the adjustable mattress heights are all easy to operate, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's a bit larger than other cribs and isn't able to fold flat. However, it is nevertheless a decent size to fit into its handy bag for travel. Mum in the BabyCentre forums said that it was simple to set up with its clear instructions and simple mechanism. bedside cot used points out that the fabric could wrinkle when it is taken out of the bag to travel.
travel cot bedside crib can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside with wheels, making it more maneuverable. It also folds completely flat. It's more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with some extra features that might be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments and an optional reflux incline. It also has a mesh-lined window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a durable mattress that is breathable. Some mothers considered it to be a bit deeper, however. It comes with a carry bag that is handy to keep the mattress clean and dust free when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib is known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit next to your bed. It lets you view your baby's progress and be able to reach them during the night. This is useful to feed your baby at night and change the diapers. This makes it ideal for parents who want to keep their baby close but don't want to take on the dangers of sharing a room with a child (such as suffocation or overheating). It's also a great choice for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of different styles you can choose from. Some have a side panel that can be lowered, which lets you see and touch your baby at night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to let you take your baby out of the crib but then raises automatically.
You'll also have to think about the dimensions of your bed as well as how wide or narrow you want your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and compact and are ideal in case you are restricted by space in your home. Some are bigger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies that may be beginning to roll over or pull themselves up in the night.
Choose a crib with mesh windows, breathable fabric and easily cleaned surfaces. Some have a removable mattress that is machine-washable and fitted with a sheet, which makes it easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some also have an anti-reflux incline feature, which can be useful for people suffering from reflux.
Safest and most convenient are cribs that can be attached securely to the parents' bed using straps or a locking system that keeps it in place even when it is not in use. Some cribs also come with adjustable legs that can accommodate different bed heights, which is useful if you have an unusually-shaped divan or bed. You may also think about the crib with a removable 4th wall that can be used as an activity area or babysitter during the daytime.