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 side to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which has numerous technical features that are ideal for parents with busy schedules, including a reflux incline setting and calm centre with amber floorlight and nightlight with two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and is able to be easily moved from one room to another.
Safety
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) lets your child to sleep next to you at night in their own crib. This protects them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the instructions of the manufacturer for weight limits, and make sure that your child's crib is a good fit. If gaps exist they could increase the risk of getting trapped, which is a serious hazard. It is also important to keep pillows, blankets, and toys away from the crib.
Find a crib that has a mesh panel on one side that is visible, and a firm mattress that is flat, firm and airy. The slats must be spaced at a minimum of 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby isn't able to climb out of the crib or raise their head over the footboard. Many models also feature a built-in changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers music and night lights. These are fantastic features to have, but remember that your baby should stay in their own crib until they're able stand or sit up at the age of six months, when they can safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to pick a crib that doesn't have corner posts, as these can pose a danger to your baby's health because they create spaces where their limbs or heads could get trapped. Take care to remove these posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothes. Also, ensure that you keep the crib away from drape and window blind cords because your child could become entangled and fall or be strangled.
If you're using a secondhand cot, ensure that it's still safe to use. It should be in good condition and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It should also not have any rough surfaces or holes. It's also important to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted. the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have leaded paint on them, which can be harmful to babies.
Easy to Use
Bedside cribs are cot or bassinet that is designed to be a safe place beside the bed of a parent, allowing newborns to sleep close to the parent without any of the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). It's a great choice for parents who struggle to get out of bed in the evening for feedings and comforting, especially in the event of an uneasy birth. Some also double up as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide secure and flexible sleeping arrangements away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the side of the parent's bed by straps that are secure, and some include a swivel base and adjustable height settings to work with different beds. Some cribs come with mesh sides to increase visibility and airflow. Some models come with sides that can be lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their baby. This is useful to feed your baby at night and is a great comforter.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, which can encourage an easier sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. This should only be done with the supervision of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine liked this crib's size - "it is much larger than most Moses baskets and feels solid and robust - it's like an investment piece, but not so expensive as to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience and its swivel bottom, saying: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to look over your baby- and then when you're ready to sleep, you simply pull it back."
She also appreciated how easy it was for her to open and close the door, even when she was tired at the end of the night. She also appreciated the amount of space was there within the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other necessities. She also appreciated how the mattress was comfy and was a decent size when compared to other cribs for bedside we've tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is an important benefit when you're exhausted after every feed!".
Portability
A bedside crib could be placed right next to the parent's bed. This makes it simple for parents to reach their child at night to comfort them or feed their baby. It also helps keep the baby from falling over and suffocating. A crib that is safe should have sides that can be opened easily for mothers who are tired can easily open it in the middle of the night. It should also have a mesh window that keeps an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek, modern design and low cost. It comes in a range of colors including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is specifically designed to fit divan beds. However, you might require longer straps in order to be compatible with your mattress. The opening side panel and the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use even for the new parents.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs and isn't able to fold flat. However, it's still a good enough size to fit in its handy carry bag when travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's a breeze to set up, thanks to clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. However, she does mention that the fabric may be stretched when taken out of the bag for travel.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib that has wheels that means it's easier to manoeuvre and 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 optional reflux incline. It also has a zipper-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a durable, breathable mattress, although some mums felt it was a bit shallower than other models. It comes with a carry bag that is handy to keep the mattress clean and dust free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib can also be called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed right next to your bed. It allows you to see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is beneficial to feed your baby at night and change the nappy. This makes it a great choice for parents who wish to keep their child close but don't want to take on the dangers of sharing a bed (such as overheating or suffocation). It's also a great option for couples who don't share the bedroom with their child.
There are a number of different styles to choose from. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted so that you can feel and touch your baby at night, but it also prevents accidental bed-sharing. Cots For Tots -up designs lower to allow you to lift your baby off the bed, but automatically raise it.
You'll also have to think about the size of your bed and the width or how narrow you would like your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which could be important if space is restricted in your home. Others are more robust and larger, which is great for older children who may be beginning to roll or get up at night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that allow for ventilation. Some have a removable mattress that is machine washable and comes with a sheet that is easier to keep clean than the standard mattress for a cot. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline option, which can be useful for people suffering from reflux.
The most secure and safest cribs are those that can be secured to the parents' bed using straps or a locking system that keeps it in place when not in use. Some cribs also have adjustable legs to be able to work with different bed heights. This could be useful if you have an unusually-shaped divan or bed. You might also consider a crib with an adjustable 4th wall that could be used as playpen or a babysitter during the day.