Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that attaches to your bed. It allows you to reach your baby's side to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep. They are especially helpful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, which comes with many technical features for parents with busy schedules, including an incline setting for reflux and a the soothing centre that has an amber nightlight and floorlight with 2 vibration levels. It's also lightweight and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) lets your child to sleep with you at night in their crib. This keeps them safe from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits, and ensure that the crib is snugly fitted. It is essential to stay clear of gaps since they can increase the risk of entrapment. This is a serious hazard. It is also essential to keep pillows, blankets, and toys away from the crib.
Search for a crib with mesh panels on the side that you can see through and a mattress that is firm, flat, and airy. The slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard must not be higher than the footboard. This will stop your baby from climbing out of the crib. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves for storing wipes and diapers as well as rockers, music, and night lights. These are great features to have but remember that your baby should stay in their crib until they are able to sit up or stand, around six months, when they can safely sleep elsewhere.
It is also recommended to choose a crib without corner posts. They can be dangerous for your baby since they create spaces in which their limbs and head could be caught. If you have a crib with these, consider removing them to avoid your child becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib free of drape cords as your baby could get caught and fall or strangle.
Check that the cot is still safe to use even if you're using an old cot. It should be in good condition and sturdy, without loose pieces. It should not have rough surfaces or holes. It is also crucial to ensure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, since older cots may have leaded paint on them, which is poisonous for infants.
Easy of Use
Bedside cribs are cot or bassinet designed to be placed safely next to the bed of a parent and allow newborns to sleep close by without any of the risks associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). It's a great choice for parents who are struggling to get up in the evening for feedings and comforting, especially when they've had a difficult birth. Some can also be used as an infant Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide an easier and safer sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the parent's side with straps. Some come with a swivel and adjustable height settings, so they can be used with different types of beds. Many have mesh sides to improve visibility and airflow, too. Some have a drop-down sides that lowers or removes to allow access to the baby from the bed of the parent and helps in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, which encourages the most natural sleeping position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However, this should be used with extreme caution and only with the advice of a medical professional.
MFM home tester Jasmine liked the size of the crib It's "it's significantly larger than most Moses baskets and feels solid and sturdy it's a bit like an investment piece, but not so costly that it's not affordable." She also appreciated the ease of use, especially its swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach across if you need to check on your babyand then when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it up."
She also liked how simple it was for her to open and close the door, even if she was tired at night. She also appreciated the amount of space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies, and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress felt comfortable and was a decent size in comparison to other cribs that we've tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is an important benefit when you're exhausted after every meal!".
Portability
A bedside crib can be set right next to a parent's bed. This makes it easy for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort or breastfeed. It also prevents baby from falling over, which can often lead to suffocation. A good quality crib must have sides that are easily opened, which makes it easy for parents with a bleary eye in the middle of the night, and a mesh window so you can monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek Scandi design and low cost. It is available in a variety of colours including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is designed to fit divan beds. However, you might need longer straps to be compatible with your mattress. Its open side panel, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all easy to use even for sleepy new parents.
It's heavier than some of the other cribs and doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's still an ideal size to fit into its convenient carry bag to travel with. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. However, she does mention that the fabric could be stretched when removed from the bag for travel.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib that has wheels, which makes it easier to manoeuvre and folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, including a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It comes with a mesh window that zips up for simple cleaning, and a solid mattress that is breathable. Some mums considered it to be a bit shallower, though. It comes with a carry bag, which is useful for keeping it dust-free and clean in storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib is also known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed right next to your bed. It allows you to be able to see and touch your baby throughout the night, which can help with feedings at night and nappy changes. This makes it ideal for parents who want to keep their baby close, but don't want the dangers of bed-sharing (such as overheating or suffocation). It's also a good option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are many different styles available. Some models have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower. This lets you see and touch your child during the night, but prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to let you take your baby out of the crib but then raises automatically.
You'll have to take into account the size of your crib and your bed. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which could be crucial if space is restricted in your home. bedside baby bed are bigger and more durable, which is perfect for older children who may be beginning to roll over or pull themselves up in the night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, with mesh windows and breathable fabric that can help with ventilation. Some cribs have an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and is equipped with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than the regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline feature, which is beneficial for people suffering from reflux.
The safest and most practical options are those that fasten securely to the bed of your parents by straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful for those with an unusually shape bed or a divan. It is also possible to consider a crib that has a fourth wall that is removable and can be used as an activity area or babysitter during the daytime.