Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that attaches to your bed. It allows you to reach your baby's mouth to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep. They are especially helpful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, which has numerous technical features that are ideal for busy new parents including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a the soothing centre that has an amber light for the night and floor with two levels of vibration. It is also light and easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) allows your infant to rest with you at night but in their own crib, which keeps them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits, and ensure that your child's crib fits snugly. It is important to avoid gaps as they can increase the risk of being entangled. This is a major danger. It's also important to ensure that the crib is free of objects that could create the risk of suffocation, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Find cribs that have an open side panel that you can see your child through, and a sturdy, flat, breathable mattress. The slats should be spaced at a minimum of 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard to ensure that your baby isn't able to climb out of 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, music and night lights. These are fantastic features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should stay in their own crib until they're able to stand or sit at around 6 months old, at which point they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It is also advisable to select a crib with no corner posts. They can be dangerous for your baby since they create spaces where their head and limbs may get caught. If you have a crib that contains these, consider removing them to avoid your child becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib clear of drape cords, as your child may become entangled and fall or strangle.
If you're using an old cot, ensure that it is still safe to use. It must be in good shape and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It should also not have rough surfaces or holes. It is also important to check that the cot was stripped down and repainted. Cots made before 1973 may have had leaded paint, which is harmful to babies.
Simple to Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot that is designed to be a safe place beside the parent's bed, allowing newborns to rest close to their parents without any of the risks associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are a great option for parents who have a difficult time getting out of bed to feed their baby or comfort them at night, especially after a difficult birth. 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 are secured to the parent's side with straps. Some come with a swivel and adjustable height settings so they can be used with different types or beds. Many come with mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility, too. Some models have an option to have the side lower or removed to allow parents direct access to their child. This is helpful to feed your baby at night and is a great comforter.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, which can encourage a more natural sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. This should only be done with the guidance of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib - "it is a lot larger than other Moses baskets and feels strong and rugged - a little like an investment piece, but not too costly to be out of reach." bedside co sleeper appreciated its ease of use particularly its swivel base, saying: "You just spin it around if you need to reach over to look over your babyand when you're ready to sleep, you simply pull it back."
She also liked how easy it was for her to shut and open the door, even if she was bleary-eyed at late at night. She also appreciated the space was available within the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other necessities. She also appreciated the mattress's comfort and was a good size in comparison to other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets are easily washable - which is a major plus in the event that you're exhausted from every feed!".
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is bedside is it can be set right next to the parent's own bed which makes it easy to reach baby during the night for breastfeeding or comforting. It also assists in preventing baby from falling over, which can sometimes cause suffocation. A high-quality crib must have sides that are easily accessible, making it easy for parents who are tired at the end of the night, and also a mesh window so you can keep an eye on your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek Scandi design and affordable price. It is available in a variety of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect and is designed to work with divan beds, however you might require longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate even for sleepy new parents.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs, and it isn't able to fold flat. However, it is still a good enough size to fit into its handy bag for travel. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. She also points out that the fabric may wrinkle when it is pulled out of the travel bag.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib that has wheels that means it's easier to manoeuvre, and it folds down completely flat. It's more expensive than the SnuzPod however, it has several additional features that may be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an additional reflux incline. It comes with a mesh window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a sturdy mattress with breathable air. Some mums considered it to be a bit smaller, but. It comes with a carrying bag that is handy to keep the mattress dust-free and clean in storage.
Style
A bedside crib can also be known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed right next to your bed. It allows you to be able to see and touch your baby throughout the night, which is helpful with feedings at night and nappy changes. It is ideal for parents that wish to keep their children close but do not want to risk suffocation or overheating. It's also a great choice for couples who don't share the bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of styles to choose from. Some models have an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted to lower. This allows you to be able to see and touch your child at night, but also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to let you take your baby out of the crib and then raises automatically.
You'll also need to consider the dimensions of your bed and how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some are more slim and compact than others, which could be important if space restricted in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal for older children who may be beginning to roll over or get up in the night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, with mesh windows and breathable fabric that can help with ventilation. Some have a removable mattress that is machine washable and comes with a sheet that is easier to keep clean than the typical cot mattress. Some come with an anti-reflux option which can be beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
Safest and most convenient are cribs that can be securely attached to the parents' bed using straps or a locking mechanism that secures it even when it is not in use. Some cribs also come with adjustable legs that can accommodate different bed heights. This could be useful in the case of an unusually-shaped divan or bed. You may also think about the crib with a removable 4th wall that could be used as a playpen or as a babysitter during the daytime.