Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet type 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 are especially helpful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, with many technical features for parents who are busy, including an incline setting for reflux and a calm centre with amber floorlight and nightlight with two levels of vibration. It's also light and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep next to you during the night in their own crib. This keeps them safe from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits and make sure that the crib is a good fit. If gaps exist this could increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a risk that is serious. It is also essential to ensure that the crib is free of any items that could pose a suffocation hazard, including pillows, blankets and toys.
Look for cribs that have mesh sides that you can see your child through, as well as a firm and breathable, flat mattress. The slats should be placed not more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby isn't able to get 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 night lights and music. These are all wonderful features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they can stand up or sit. This usually happens about 6 months old.
It's also important to pick a crib without corner posts, since they can be dangerous to your baby because they create spaces where their limbs or heads might be trapped. Consider removing these posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothes. Also, make sure to keep the crib free of window blind and drape cords, as your baby could become entangled and fall or be strangled.
If you're using an old cot, ensure that it is still safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces, holes or peeling paint and should be sturdy and in good condition with no loose parts. It is also essential to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, since older cots may have leaded paint on them, which can be harmful to babies.
Easy of Use
A bedside crib is a cot or bassinet 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). They're a great option for parents who struggle to get out of bed in the evening for feedings and comforting, particularly if they've had an uneasy 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 are secured to the the parent's bed with straps that secure them, and some include the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings to fit different types of beds. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides that improve the visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down sides that lowers or removes for easy access to the baby from the parent's bed that aids with feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to promote a more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic, and other digestive issues. However it should be done with extreme caution and only under the advice of a healthcare professional.
MFM home test Jasmine liked this crib's size - "it is much larger than other Moses baskets and feels strong and robust - it's like an investment piece but not too costly to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its ease of use particularly its swivel base and said: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to check on your baby -and then, when you're ready to go back to sleep, you just pull it again."
She also liked how simple it was to shut and open the door, even if she was tired at night. She also appreciated the space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a good size in comparison to other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is an absolute benefit after a long feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be placed right next to a parent's bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child at night to comfort or feed their baby. It can also help stop the baby from rolling over and suffocating. A good quality crib should have sides that are easily opened, which makes it easy for parents with a bleary eye during the night, as well as a mesh window so you can keep an eye on your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek design in Scandi and affordable price. It comes in a variety of colours including gender-neutral gray and wood effect. It is made to fit divan beds. However, you might need longer straps to fit your mattress. Its open side panel as well as the anti-reflux incline, and the adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than other crib options and it's not able to fold completely flat, but it's an ideal size to fit into its handy carry bag to travel with. Mum on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. She does point out that the fabric may be stretched when taken out of the bag for travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib with wheels, making it more manageable, and it folds down completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but it has a few extra features, including a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window for easy cleaning 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 helpful for keeping it dust-free and clean during storage between uses.
Style
A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper, is made to be placed beside your bed. It lets you see your baby's progress and be able to reach them during the night. This is helpful 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 the dangers of sharing a bed (such as suffocation or overheating). It's also a great option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are a number of different styles to choose from. Some models come with an upper and lower panel that can be lowered. This lets you be able to see and touch your child at night, but it also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to allow you to lift your baby out and then raises automatically.
It is also important to consider the dimensions of your bed and how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which can be important if space is restricted in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is perfect for older babies who might be starting to roll over or get up in the night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easy-to-clean surfaces. bedside crib and travel cot come with an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and is equipped with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux option which can be beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and safest cribs are those that can be securely attached to the bed of the parents, either with straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place even when it is not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is a great option if you have an unusually designed bed or divan. Other features to look at include a detachable 4th wall, which could be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, and a removable changing tray.