Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style crib that is attached to your bed. co sleeper bedside cot lets you reach your baby's side to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, with many technical features for parents with busy schedules, including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a soothing centre with amber nightlight and floorlight with two vibration levels. It is also light and is able to be easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) allows your baby to sleep next to you at night in their crib. This helps to protect them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits, and to ensure that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. It is essential to avoid gaps as they can increase the risk of getting trapped. This is a major hazard. It is also important to keep pillows, blankets and toys from the crib.
Look for a crib with a mesh side panel you can see your child through, as well as a firm air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats must be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will stop your baby from climbing out of the crib. Some cribs also have a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, lighting for night and music. These are fantastic features to have, but keep in mind that your baby must remain in their crib until they are able to stand or sit, around 6 months old, at which point they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It is also recommended to choose a crib with no corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby because they create spaces where their head and limbs may get stuck. If you have a crib with these, consider removing them to avoid your child getting caught in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib away form drape cords as your baby might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
If you're using a secondhand cot, check that it is still safe to use. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint, and it should be sturdy and in good condition with no loose components. It's also important to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, since older cots may have paint that has leaded on them, which is toxic for babies.
Simple to Use
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cot is designed to be positioned next to a parent's mattress. This lets newborns sleep near their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. They are a great choice for parents who have a hard to get out of the bed to feed their child or comfort them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also serve as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to offer a more flexible and safe sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side by straps. Some come with the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings, so they can be used with different types or beds. Many have mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility, too. Some have a drop-down sides which can be removed or lowered to allow access to the baby from the bed of the parent that aids with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to create a more natural sleeping position that is safe for babies with reflux, colic or other digestive issues. This is only done under the supervision of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size - "it is much larger than other Moses baskets and feels strong and rugged - a little like an investment piece, but not so expensive as to be prohibitive." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use, especially its swivel bottom and said: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to check on your babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, simply pull it back."
She also appreciated how easy it was to open and close the door, even if she was bleary-eyed at late at night. She also appreciated the space was there inside the crib for stashing blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also appreciated how the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size when compared to other bedside cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a huge plus in the event that you're exhausted from every feed!".
Portability
A bedside crib could be placed right beside the bed of a parent. This makes it simple for parents to reach their child at night to comfort them or breastfeed. It also helps stop the baby from falling over and suffocating. A good quality crib must have sides that are open, making it easy for parents with a bleary eye during the night, as well as a mesh window so you can monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with 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 require longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use even for parents who are new.
It's a bit larger than other cribs, and isn't able to fold flat. But it's nevertheless a decent size to fit into its handy bag for transport when traveling. Moms on the BabyCentre forums commented that it was easy to set up, thanks to its clear instructions and simple mechanism. However, she does mention that the fabric may be stretched when pulled out of the bag for travel.
You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside that has wheels, making it much easier to move. 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, six different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It has a mesh window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a solid mattress with breathable air. Some moms thought it was a little smaller, but. It comes with a carrying bag that is ideal to keep the mattress dust-free and clean in storage.
Style
A bedside crib is called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed right next to your bed. It allows you to see and reach your baby at night, which is helpful with feedings at night and nappy changes. foldable bedside crib is ideal for parents who wish to keep their child close but don't want the dangers of bed-sharing (such as suffocation and overheating). It is also a good option for couples who do not share a room with their child.
There are a number of different styles to pick from. Some models have a side panel which can be adjusted to lower. This allows you to see and touch your child during the night, but it also prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you lift your baby from the bed, and then automatically raise.
You'll need to take into account the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and compact and are ideal if you have limited space in your home. Some are stronger and larger which is ideal for older babies who might be starting to roll or get up at night.
Pick a crib that is breathable fabric, mesh windows and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs come with a removable mattress, which can be washed in the machine and fitted with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some come with an anti-reflux option that can be helpful for reflux sufferers.
Safest and most convenient cribs can be secured to the bed of the parents using straps or a locking system that keeps it in place when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is a great option when you have a peculiarly shape bed or a divan. Other features to look at 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.