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 help soothe them to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which comes with numerous technical features that are ideal for parents with busy schedules, including an incline setting for reflux and a calm centre with amber light for the night and floor with 2 vibration levels. 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 at night in their crib. This keeps them safe from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits and ensure that your child's mattress fits snugly. If there are gaps this could increase the chance of being entangled, which is a risk that is serious. It is also essential to keep blankets, pillows and toys from the crib.
Search for a crib with mesh panels on the side that is visible and a mattress that is firm, flat, and breathable. The slats shouldn't be wider than 2 3/8 inch apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib. Many models come with a built-in changer, shelves for storing wipes and diapers aswell as music, rockers, and night lights. These are all great features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to sit up or stand. This is usually about 6 months old.
It's also important to choose a crib that does not have corner posts, as these could pose a risk to your baby's health because they create spaces where their head or limbs could get trapped. If you have a crib that has these, consider removing them to stop your baby from becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Also, be sure to keep the crib clear of window blind and drape cords as your baby may get caught in them and fall or be strangled.
Verify that the cot still safe for use if you are using a used cot. It should not have any rough surfaces, holes or peeling paint and should be solid and in good condition with no loose components. It is also important to check whether the cot has been stripped down and repainted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have contained leaded paint, which is toxic for babies.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cot or bassinet is designed to be placed close to the mattress of a parent's. This allows newborns to rest with their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. It's a great choice for parents who find it difficult to get up in the evening for feedings and comforting, especially in the event of an uneasy birth. They can also be used as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide comfortable and safe sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed with straps that secure them, and some include an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to fit different types of beds. Many have mesh sides for improved visibility and airflow, too. Some models have an option to have the side lower or removed to allow parents the ability to see their baby. This is helpful for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to promote the natural sleep position that is safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic or other digestive issues. However bedside baby sleeper should be done with extreme caution and only with the guidance of a medical professional.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib and said "it's a lot bigger than most Moses baskets, and feels solid and sturdy - a bit like an investment piece, but not so expensive that it's impossible to afford." She also liked the ease of use, especially its base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach across if you need to check on baby -- and when you want to go back to bed you can simply pull it up again."
Another thing she was impressed with was the ease with which it was to open and shut the door from outside, particularly when she was you're tired and drowsy in the darkness. She also appreciated the space was there within the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other necessities. She also loved that the mattress was comfortable and spacious compared to other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is an important benefit when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be placed next to the parent's bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child at night to comfort them or breastfeed. It also prevents baby from rolling over, which can occasionally lead to the suffocation. A good crib should have a side that is easily opened to ensure that exhausted mothers can open it in the late at night. It should also have a mesh window that keeps an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek design in Scandi and great price tag. It comes in a range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to work with divan beds, however, you may need to buy longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. Its opening side panel as well as the anti-reflux incline, and the adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate even for tired new parents.
It's heavier than other cribs, and it doesn't fold flat, but it's still an ideal size to fit into its convenient carry bag for travelling. The mother on the BabyCentre forums commented that it was easy to set up thanks to its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. However, she does mention that the fabric could be stretched when pulled out of the bag for travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed with wheels, making it easier to maneuver. It also folds completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, including an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It also has a zip-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a breathable, sturdy mattress, but some moms were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other options. It comes with a bag for carrying that is helpful to keep it dust-free and clean in storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib can also be known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed close to your bed. It lets you see 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. It is ideal for parents that want to keep their children close but do not want to risk drowning or overheating. It's also a great choice for couples who do not share the bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of different styles to choose from. Some models feature a side panel which can be removed. This lets you see and touch your child throughout the night, but also prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you to lift your baby off the bed, but automatically raise it.
It is also important to consider the dimensions of your bed and the width or how narrow you want your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and compact, which is important if you have limited space in your home. Some are bigger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies that may be beginning to roll over or get up at night.
Choose a crib with mesh windows, breathable fabric and easily cleaned surfaces. Some have a removable mattress that can be washed in the machine and comes with a sheet, which is easier to keep clean than a standard crib mattress. Some models have an anti-reflux feature which can be beneficial for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and reliable options are those that fasten securely to the bed of your parents, either using straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place even when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is helpful for those with an unusually shape bed or a divan. Other features you might consider include a detachable 4th wall, which can be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as a removable changing tray.