Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to your bed. It lets you reach your baby's mouth to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep. They are especially 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 who are busy, including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a soothing centre with amber light for the night and floor with two vibration levels. It's also light and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep with you during the night in their own crib. This protects them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and make sure that your child's bed is snugly fitted. It is crucial to keep gaps out of the way as they can increase the risk of getting trapped. This is a serious danger. It is also essential to clear the crib of objects that could create a suffocation hazard, including blankets, pillows and toys.
Find a crib that has a mesh side panel which your child can see through, and a sturdy air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats should be spaced at a minimum of 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your child is unable to climb out of the crib or raise their head over the footboard. Many models come with a built-in changer, shelves for storing diapers and wipes as well as rockers, music, and night lights. These are all wonderful features however, your baby should remain in the crib until they are able to stand up or sit. This is usually around 6 months.
It's also important to choose a crib that doesn't have corner posts, since they can be dangerous to your baby by creating areas where their limbs or heads could get trapped. You should consider removing these posts from your crib to stop your child from getting caught with their toys or clothes. Keep the crib free of drape cords since your baby might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
Check that the cot is still safe for use if you are using a used cot. bedside cosleeper should not have any rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and should be solid and in good condition with no loose parts. It is also important to ensure that the cot was taken down and repainted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have had leaded paint, which could be toxic for babies.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot that is designed to sit safely beside a parent's bed and allow newborns to sleep close by without the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). It's a great choice for parents who struggle to get up at night for feeds and comforting, particularly if they've had a difficult birth. They can also double as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more comfortable and safe sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs can be secured to the parent's side with a strap. Some come with the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings, which means they can be used with various kinds of beds or types. Many have mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility, too. Some have a drop-down side that lowers or removes for easy access to the baby from the bed of the parent, which helps in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to create the natural sleep position that's safer for babies with reflux, colic and other digestive issues. This should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size - "it is a lot bigger than other Moses baskets and feels solid and rugged - a little like an investment piece, but not too costly to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use and its swivel bottom, saying: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to look over your babyand when you want go back to sleep, you simply pull it back."
Another thing she was impressed with was the ease with which it was to shut and open the door from outside, especially when exhausted in the dark. She also liked the space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also liked the mattress's comfort and was a good size in comparison to other cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is a major bonus after a long feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib could be placed next to a parent's bed. This makes it easy for parents to reach their child in the night to soothe or feed their baby. travel cot bedside can help to stop the baby from rolling over and becoming suffocated. A good crib should have a side that is easily opened for mothers who are tired can easily open it in the middle of night. It should also come with an opening with mesh to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its stylish Scandi design and great price tag. It comes in a variety of colours including gender-neutral gray and wood effect. It is specifically designed to fit divan beds. However, you may require longer straps in order to fit your mattress. Its open side panel with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate even for tired new parents.
It's a little bulkier than other cribs, and it isn't able to fold flat. However, it's still a good enough size to fit into its handy bag for transport when traveling. Moms on the BabyCentre forums said it was easy to set up with its clear instructions and simple mechanism. She also points out that the fabric can be stretched when taken out of the bag for travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels that means it's more manageable, and it folds down completely flat. It's more expensive than the SnuzPod however, it has some extra features that might be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an additional reflux incline. It also has a zipper-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a sturdy, breathable mattress, although some mums were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other models. It comes with a carry bag that is useful to keep the mattress clean and dust-free when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is designed to fit by your bed. It lets you be able to see and touch your baby at night, which helps with night feeds and nappy changes. It is perfect for parents who want to keep their babies close, but don't want to risk drowning or overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share bedrooms with their child.
There are a number of different styles you can choose from. Some models come with a side panel which can be adjusted to lower. This allows you to be able to see and touch your child during the night, but prevents accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower to allow the baby to be lifted off the bed, but automatically raise it.
It is also important to consider the size of your bed and how wide or narrow you want your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky, which is important if you have limited space in your home. Others are more robust and larger and are great for older babies who could be starting to roll or get up at night.
Pick a crib that is mesh windows, breathable fabric and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs come with mattresses that are removable, and can be machine-washed and is fitted with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option which can be useful for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and safest cribs can be securely attached to the bed of the parents by straps or a locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs also come with adjustable legs to work with a range of different bed heights, which is useful in the case of a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. You might also consider the crib with a fourth wall that is removable and could be used as an activity area or babysitter during the daytime.