Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to your bed and lets you access your baby for meals at night or to soothe them back to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from births via c-section.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which has lots of technical features for parents with busy schedules, including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a calm centre with amber floorlight and nightlight with 2 vibration levels. It's also lightweight and can be moved easily from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep next to you at night in their own crib. This keeps them safe from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and ensure that your child's crib fits snugly. It is crucial to keep gaps out of the way as they increase the chance of getting trapped. This is a serious danger. It is also crucial to keep blankets, pillows and toys from the crib.
Look for a crib with mesh panels on the side that you can see through, and a firm mattress that is flat, firm and breathable. The slats shouldn't be larger than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard must 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 to store wipes and diapers aswell as rockers, music, and night lights. These are fantastic features to have, but keep in mind that your baby must remain in their own crib until they're able stand or sit at the age of 6 months old, at which point they're able to sleep in a different crib.
You should also choose a crib without corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby since they create spaces where their limbs and heads could be caught. You should consider removing the posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothing. Keep the crib clear of drape cords, as your child might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
If you're using a secondhand cot, make sure it's safe to use. It should be in good condition and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also essential to make sure that the cot has been taken down and repainted. the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have lead paint on them, which is harmful to babies.
Simple to Use
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot that is designed to sit safely beside the parent's bed, allowing newborns to sleep close to the parent without any of the risks that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are a great option for parents who have a hard getting out of the bed to feed their infant or comfort them at night, especially after a difficult delivery. Some also double up as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the parent's side using a strap. Some have an adjustable swivel and swivel settings, which means they can be used with various types or beds. Many come with mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility, too. Some have a drop-down side that lowers or removes to allow access to the baby from the parent's bed, which helps in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to create an easier and more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies with reflux, colic or other digestive issues. However it should be done with extreme caution and only with the guidance of a health professional.
MFM home test Jasmine liked the size of the crib and said "it's much larger than most Moses baskets, and it feels solid and sturdy it's a bit like an investment piece, but not so costly that it's impossible to afford." She also appreciated how easy it was to use, particularly the 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 can simply pull it up again."
She also liked how simple it was to open and close the door, even when she was bleary-eyed at late at night. She also appreciated the space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also loved that the mattress was comfortable and spacious compared to cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus, the sheets are washable, which is a major plus in the event that you're exhausted from every feed!".
Portability
One of the great things about a crib that is bedside is it can be set right next to the bed of the parent, making it easy to reach the baby at night to nurse or comfort. It also can help to stop the baby from rolling over and becoming suffocated. A high-quality crib should have sides that can be easily accessible, making it easy for parents who are tired at the end of the night, and a mesh window to monitor your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with its sleek design in Scandi and affordable price. It comes in a range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect and is specifically designed to work with divan beds however you might require a longer strap to make it compatible with your mattress. Its open side panel, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all simple to use, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's heavier than other cribs and it's not able to fold flat, but it's a good size to fit into its convenient bag for transport. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and simple controls. However, she notes that the fabric is prone to tearing when pulled out of its bag to travel.
If you prefer, you can choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels that means it's more maneuverable, and it folds down completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, such as a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and an option to reflux inclined. It also has a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a sturdy, breathable mattress, although some mums felt it was a bit shallower than other options. travel bedside crib comes with a carry bag which is great to keep it dust-free and clean in storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib is also known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to fit close to your bed. It lets you view your baby's progress and be able to reach them during the night. This is helpful to feed your baby at night and change the nappy. This makes it ideal for parents who want to keep their child close but don't want to take on the dangers of sharing a room with a child (such as suffocation or overheating). It's also a good option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are many different styles available. Some come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you see and touch your baby at night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to let you take your baby out of the crib, but then raises again automatically.
It is also important to consider the dimensions of your bed as well as how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which could be crucial if space is restricted in your home. Others are sturdier and bigger and are great for older babies who could be starting to roll around or get up at night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned 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 the regular crib mattress. Some models have an anti-reflux feature which can be beneficial for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and practical options are those that fasten securely to the bed of your parents by straps or the 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 helpful if you have an unusually shape bed or a divan. It is also possible to consider a crib that has an adjustable 4th wall that could be used as playpen or a babysitter during the day.