Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
Essentially, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to your bed and allows you to access your baby for night feedings or to calm them to sleep. They are particularly useful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our testers from our parent group have praised the SnuzPod 4 for its numerous technical features. It has a reflux incline and soothing centre, with an amber nightlight and floor lamps with two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and can be moved easily from one room to another.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep near you at night in their own crib. This keeps them safe from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the instructions of the manufacturer for weight limits, and ensure that your child's crib fits snugly. It is important to stay clear of gaps since they can increase the risk of entrapment. This poses a serious danger. It is also essential to keep the crib clear of objects that could create an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Choose a crib that has a mesh side panel you can see your child through, as well as a firm and breathable, flat mattress. The slats should be no larger than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard must not be higher than the footboard. This will keep your child from getting out of the crib. Many models also feature a built-in changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers lighting for night and music. These are all great features, but your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to stand or sit up. This usually happens about 6 months old.
It's also important to choose a crib that does not have corner posts, since they can be dangerous to your baby's safety by creating areas where their limbs or heads might be trapped. If you have a crib with these, you should consider taking them out to stop your baby from becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib clear of window blind cords and drape cords, as your child may become entangled and fall or strangle.
If you're using a second-hand cot, check that it's still safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and must be sturdy and in good condition with no loose components. It is also essential to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, as older cots may have paint that has leaded on them, which is harmful to babies.
Simple to Use
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cot or bassinet is designed to be set next to a parent's mattress. This lets newborns sleep near their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. They're a great option for parents who find it difficult to get out of bed to feed their children and comforting, especially if they've had a difficult birth. They can also double as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs fasten securely to the side of the parent's bed by straps that are secure and some have an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings that can be used with different beds. Many come with mesh sides to increase visibility and airflow, too. Some have a drop-down feature that can be lowered or removed to allow access to the baby's bed from the parent's that aids with feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to create a more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies with reflux, colic and other digestive issues. This should only be done with the supervision of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine liked this crib's size - "it is a lot larger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels solid and rugged - a little like an investment piece, but not too expensive to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience and its swivel bottom, saying: "You just spin it around if you need to reach over to look over your baby- and then when you're ready to sleep, you simply pull it again."
Another thing she appreciated was the ease with which it was to open and close the door from the outside, particularly when she was bleary-eyed in the dark. She also appreciated the space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size compared to other cribs for bedside we've tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a huge plus when you're exhausted after every feed!".
Portability
A crib for bed can be placed next to the parent's bed. This makes it simple for parents to reach their child at night to comfort or breastfeed. It also can help to prevent the baby from rolling over and becoming suffocated. A good quality crib must have sides that are easily accessible, making it easy for parents with a bleary eye at the end of the night, as well as a mesh window so you can monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek Scandi design and great price tag. It comes in a range of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect and is specifically designed to work with divan beds although you may need to buy longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline, and the adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate even for sleepy new parents.
It's a little heavier than other crib options and doesn't fold completely flat, but it's still adequate to fit into its handy carry bag to travel with. cots4tots on the BabyCentre forums said 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 it's being removed from its bag for travel.
If you prefer, you can choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib with wheels that means it's easier to manoeuvre, and it folds down completely flat. It's more expensive than the SnuzPod however, it has some extra features that might make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an optional reflux incline. It also has a mesh-lined window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a durable mattress with breathable air. Some mums found it a bit smaller, but. It comes with a carrying bag that is handy to keep the mattress dust-free and clean when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper, was designed to be placed beside your bed. It allows you to be able to see and touch your baby at night, which is helpful with feeding your baby at night and changing nappy. It is perfect for parents who want to keep their children close, but don't want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a great choice for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are many different styles to pick from. Some models come with a side panel which can be removed. This allows you to see and touch your child at night, but also prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you to lift your baby off the bed, and then automatically raise.
You'll need to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which may be crucial if space is restricted in your home. Others are sturdier and bigger, which is great for older children who may be starting to roll around or climb up at night.
Choose a crib with mesh windows, breathable fabric and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs come with an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and is fitted with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some models have an anti-reflux feature which can be beneficial for reflux sufferers.
Safest and most convenient cribs can be securely attached to the bed of the parents, either with straps or a locking system that keeps it in place when not in use. Some cribs also come with adjustable legs to be able to work with different bed heights. This is useful if you have an unusually-shaped divan or bed. It is also possible to consider a crib with a removable 4th wall that can be used as playpen or a babysitter during the daytime.