Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that can be attached to your bed and lets you reach your baby for evening feedings or to help bring them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from births via c-section.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which comes with many technical features for busy new parents including a reflux incline setting and soothing centre with 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) allows your baby to sleep near you during the night in their crib. This keeps them safe from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits and ensure that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. It is essential to stay clear of gaps since they can increase the risk of entrapment. This poses a serious risk. It's also important to keep the crib clear of objects that could create an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Find a crib that has mesh panels on the side that is clear, and a firm mattress that is flat, firm, and ventilated. The slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will prevent your baby from getting out of the crib. Some cribs also have an integrated changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers music and night lights. These are wonderful features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should stay in their crib until they're able stand or sit up, around six months, when they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to pick a crib that does not have corner posts, since they can be dangerous to your baby's safety because they create spaces in which their limbs or head could get trapped. Take care to remove these posts from your crib to stop your child from getting entangled with their toys or clothes. Also, ensure that you keep the crib away from drapery cords and window blinds, as your baby could become entangled and fall or be strangled.
If you're using a secondhand cot, check that it's still safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes, and it should be solid and well-maintained with no loose parts. It is also essential to ensure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, as older cots may have paint that has leaded on them, which is poisonous for infants.
Simple to Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot designed to be placed safely next to the parent's bed and allow newborns to sleep close by without any of the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are a great option for parents who have a hard to get out of the bed to feed their child or soothe them at night, especially after a difficult delivery. Some can also be used as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide a more flexible and safe sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side with a strap. Some come with a swivel and adjustable height settings, which means they can be used with various kinds of beds or types. Some cribs come with mesh sides to improve visibility and airflow. what is it worth come with an option to have the side lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their child. This is useful for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to create a more natural sleeping position that is safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic or other digestive issues. However it should be done with extreme care and only under the advice of a healthcare professional.
MFM home test Jasmine liked the size of this crib It's "it's significantly larger than the majority of Moses baskets, and feels sturdy and robust It's almost like an investment piece, but not so expensive that it's impossible to afford." She also liked how easy it was to use, particularly the swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach over if you need to check on baby- and when you want to go back to bed you just pull it back up again."
Another thing she appreciated was how easy it was to open and close the door from outside, especially when bleary-eyed in the dark. She also appreciated the amount of space within the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size in comparison to other bedside cribs we 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 could be set right next to a parent's bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child in the night to soothe or feed their baby. It also can help to stop the baby from falling over and suffocating. A good crib should have a side that is easily opened to ensure that exhausted mothers can open it in late at night. It should also come with a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its stylish Scandi design and a reasonable price. It comes in a range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect and is designed to be compatible with divan beds, however you might need to buy longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens and the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use even for the new parents.
It's a little heavier than some of the other crib options, and it doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's an ideal size to fit into its handy carry bag for travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she points out that the fabric is prone to creasing when removed from its bag for travel.
bedside crib with wheels can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib that has wheels, making it much easier to move. It folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod however, it has several additional features that may make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an additional reflux incline. It also has a zipper-up mesh window for easy cleaning and a sturdy, breathable mattress, though some mothers felt it was a bit shallower than other models. It comes with a bag for carrying that is helpful for keeping it dust-free and clean in storage between uses.
Style
A bedside crib can also be called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed right next to your bed. It lets you be able to see and touch your baby at night, which can help with night feeds and nappy changes. This makes it ideal for parents who want to keep their child close but don't want the dangers of sharing a room with a child (such as suffocation or overheating). It's also a great option for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of styles to choose from. Some have a side panel that can be adjusted, which lets you see and touch your baby at night, but also stops accidental bed-sharing. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to let you lift your baby out but then raises automatically.
You'll have to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and compact, which is important when you are limited on space in your home. Others are more robust and larger which is ideal for older children who may be beginning to roll or climb up at night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, with breathable fabric and mesh windows which can aid in ventilation. Some have a removable mattress that is machine-washable and fitted with a sheet that is easier to keep clean than the typical mattress for a cot. Some come with an anti-reflux option that can be helpful for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and reliable alternatives are those that attach securely to the bed of your parents by straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place even when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs to work with a range of different bed heights. This is useful if you have an unusually-shaped divan or bed. You may also think about a crib with a fourth wall that is removable and can be used as an activity area or babysitter during the daytime.