Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to your bed. It allows you to reach your baby to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from births via c-section.
bedside cosleeper who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which has numerous technical features that are ideal for parents who are busy, including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a calm centre with amber floorlight and nightlight with two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep with you during the night in their own crib. This helps to protect them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits, and ensure that your child's bed is a good fit. If gaps exist, it may increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a serious hazard. It's also important to clear the crib of any items that could pose a suffocation hazard, including blankets, pillows and toys.
Look for a crib with a mesh panel on the side that is clear and a mattress that is firm, flat and breathable. The slats must be spaced no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard so your baby isn't able to leave the crib or reach their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs have an integrated changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers lighting for night and music. These are great features to have but remember that your baby must remain in their crib until they are able to sit up or stand at around 6 months old, at which point they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to pick a crib without corner posts, as these can be dangerous to your baby by creating spaces where their head or limbs could be entangled. Consider removing these posts from your crib to prevent your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothing. Keep the crib free of drape cords as your baby may become entangled and fall or strangle.
Make sure that the cot is still safe for use if you are using a cot that is used. It shouldn't have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes, and it should be solid and in good condition with no loose parts. It is also essential to check that the cot was taken down and painted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 may have had leaded paint, which is toxic for babies.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib, also known as a cot or bassinet, is designed to be positioned close to the mattress of a parent's. This allows newborns to sleep with their parents, without the risks of co-sleeping. They're a great option for parents who find it difficult to get out of bed to feed their children and comforting, particularly if they've had an uneasy birth. Some also double up as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more secure and flexible sleeping arrangements away from the crib.
Bedside cribs can be secured to the parent's side with a strap. Some have an adjustable swivel and swivel settings so they can be used with various types of beds. Some have mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility, too. Some models have sides that can be lower or removed to allow parents direct access to their baby. This is helpful for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to create a more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies with reflux, colic and other digestive issues. This should only be done with the guidance of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home tester Jasmine was impressed by the size of the crib It's "it's much larger than most Moses baskets, and feels sturdy and solid - a bit like an investment piece, but not so costly that it's impossible to afford." She also liked the ease of use, particularly the base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach across in case you need to check on baby -- and when you want to go back to bed you just pull it back up."
She also appreciated how easy it was for her to open and close the door, even if she was exhausted at night. She also enjoyed how much space was available within the crib to store blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and that it was a decent size in comparison to other cribs that we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - an important benefit when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
One of the great things about a crib that is bedside is that it can be positioned near the bed of the parent and makes it simple to reach baby during the night to nurse or comfort. It also can help to keep the baby from falling over and becoming suffocated. A crib that is of good quality must have sides that are easily opened, which makes it simple for bleary-eyed parents during the night, as well as a mesh window that lets you monitor your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek Scandi design and affordable price. It comes in a range of colors, 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, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use, even for new parents.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs, and it isn't able to fold flat. However, it is nevertheless a decent size to fit in its handy carry bag when travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple controls. She also points out that the fabric may get wrinkled when pulled out of the bag for travel.
You could also choose 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 has some additional features, such as an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and an option to reflux inclined. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a sturdy, breathable mattress, though some mothers were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other models. It comes with a carry bag that is helpful for keeping it dust-free and clean during storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib is known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit next to your bed. It lets you view your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is beneficial for feeding at night and changing the diapers. It is ideal for parents who want to keep their babies close, but do not want to risk suffocation or overheating. It is also a good choice for couples who don't share a room with their child.
There are many different styles to choose from. bedside crib or cot have an additional side panel that can be removed. This allows you to be able to see and touch your child at night, but also prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-ups lower to let the baby to be lifted off the bed, but automatically raise again.
You'll have to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact, which is important if you have limited space in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is great for older babies that may be beginning to roll over or slouch in the night.
Choose a crib with mesh windows, breathable fabric and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs have a removable mattress, which can be machine-washed and is fitted with a mattress. This makes it easier to clean than the regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option, which is beneficial for reflux sufferers.
The safest and most practical options are those that fasten securely to the bed of your parents, either using straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is a great option when you have a peculiarly shaped bed or a divan. Other features you might consider include a detachable 4th wall, which could be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.