Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet type cot that attaches to your bed. It lets you reach your baby's side to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep. They are especially helpful for mothers recovering from c section births.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which has numerous technical features that are ideal for busy new parents including an incline setting for reflux and a the soothing centre that has an amber light for the night and floor with two levels of vibration. 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 next to you during the night in their crib. This protects them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits, and to ensure that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. It is crucial to avoid gaps as they can increase the risk of entrapment. This poses a serious risk. It is also important to keep pillows, blankets and toys from the crib.
Look for a crib with a mesh panel on the side that you can see through, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat and breathable. The slats must be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart, and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will keep your child from getting out of the crib. A lot of cribs have an integrated changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers lighting for night and music. bedside crib or cot are all wonderful features, but your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to stand up or sit. This usually occurs around 6 months.
It is also advisable to select a crib with no corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby as they create spaces where their limbs and heads may get stuck. If you have a crib that contains corner posts, think about removing them to avoid your child getting caught in their clothes or toys. Also, ensure that you keep the crib away from drapery cords and window blinds, as your baby could get caught in them and fall or be strangled.
If you're using a second-hand cot, make sure it's safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and should be solid and in good condition with no loose parts. It is also crucial to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted. the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have leaded paint on them, which is poisonous for infants.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or cot is designed to be set next to a parent's mattress. This lets babies sleep with their parents, without the risks of co-sleeping. These are an excellent option for parents who have a hard time getting out of bed to feed their baby or soothe them at night, particularly after a difficult birth. Some also double up as a Moses basket or a carrycot for infants to offer comfortable and safe sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs can be 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 various types of beds. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides that improve airflow and visibility. Some models come with sides that can be lower or removed to allow parents the ability to see their baby. This is helpful for nighttime feedings and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to create a more natural sleeping position that is safer for babies with reflux, colic or other digestive issues. This is only done under the guidance of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home tester Jasmine loved the size of the crib - "it's a lot bigger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels sturdy and solid It's almost like an investment piece, but not so costly that it's impossible to afford." She also liked the ease of use, particularly its swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach it if you need to check on your babyand then when you're ready to go back to bed you just pull it back up again."
She also liked how simple it was to shut and open the door, even if she was bleary-eyed at the end of the night. She also appreciated the space there was in the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a good size in comparison to some of the other cribs we've 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 next to the parent's bed. This makes it easy for parents to reach their child in the night to soothe or feed their baby. It also helps prevent baby rolling over, which can sometimes cause death. A crib that is of good quality must have sides that are easily opened, which makes it simple for bleary-eyed parents during the night, and a mesh window that lets you keep an eye on your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to 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 be compatible with divan beds, however you might require a longer strap to make it compatible with your mattress. Its opening side panel, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all easy to use, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's a little bulkier than other cribs and does not fold completely flat. But it's still a good enough size to fit into its handy carry bag when travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she warns that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when it's being pulled out of its bag to travel.
You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed equipped with wheels, which makes it more maneuverable. It also folds completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod but it has a few extra features, like a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It has a mesh window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a sturdy mattress with breathable air. Some mums found it a bit smaller, but. It comes with a bag for carrying which is great for keeping it dust-free and clean in storage between uses.
Style
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as co-sleeper, is made to be placed near your bed. It allows you to see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is useful for night feedings and changing diapers. It is ideal for parents who want to keep their babies close, but don't want to risk drowning or overheating. It is also a good option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of different styles to choose from. Some come with an upper and lower panel that can be lowered, which lets you feel and touch your baby during the night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you to lift your baby off the bed, but then automatically raise it.
It is also important to consider the dimensions of your bed and how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which could be important if space restricted in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies that may be starting to roll over or pull themselves up at night.
Pick a crib that is breathable fabric, mesh windows and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs come with an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and is fitted with a mattress. This makes it easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline feature, which is beneficial for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and practical options are those that fasten securely to the parents' bed, either using straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful for those with an unusually designed bed or divan. Other features to consider include a detachable 4th wall that can be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.