Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet type cot that can be attached to your bed. It lets you reach your baby's side to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep. They are especially helpful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which comes with numerous technical features that are ideal for busy new parents including a reflux incline setting and calm centre with amber nightlight and floorlight with 2 vibration levels. It's also lightweight and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) lets your child to sleep next to you during the night in their own crib. This keeps them safe from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits, and ensure that the crib is snugly fitted. If gaps exist, it may increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a serious hazard. It's also important to keep the crib clear of items that can present an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Find wooden bedside cot that has mesh sides that you can see your child through, and a sturdy, flat, breathable mattress. The slats must be no larger than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard must not be higher than the footboard. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib. Many cribs have a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers as well with music, rockers and night lights. These are all wonderful features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they can sit up or stand. This usually occurs around 6 months.
You should also choose a crib with no corner posts. These can be dangerous for your baby because they create spaces where their head and limbs might be stuck. You should consider removing the posts from your crib to prevent your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothes. Also, ensure that you keep the crib away from drapery cords and window blinds as your baby may become entangled in them and fall or be strangled.
If you're using a secondhand cot, make sure it's still safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces, holes or peeling paint and must be solid and in good condition with no loose parts. It's also important to ensure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, since the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have leaded paint on them, which can be harmful to babies.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cot or bassinet is designed to be set next to a parent's mattress. This allows newborns to rest with their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. They are a great choice for parents who have a hard time getting out of the bed to feed their infant or comfort them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also double as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more secure and flexible sleeping arrangements away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the the parent's bed with straps that secure them and some come with a swivel base and adjustable height settings to fit various types of beds. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides that improve visibility and airflow. Some models have an option to have the side lower or removed to allow parents direct access to their baby. This is helpful to feed your baby at night and is a great comforter.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to encourage an easier and more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic and other digestive issues. However it is recommended to use this method with extreme caution and only with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib and said "it's a lot bigger than most Moses baskets, and feels sturdy and solid It's almost like an investment piece, but not so costly that it's impossible to afford." She also liked how easy it was to use, especially its swivel base, saying: "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 can simply pull it up again."
bedside cots uk liked how easy it was for her to open and close the door, even when she was exhausted at late at night. She also liked the amount of space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also appreciated the mattress's comfort and spacious compared to cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus, the sheets are easily washable - which is a major plus when you're exhausted after a feed!".
Portability
A bedside crib could be placed next to a parent's bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort them or feed their baby. It also prevents baby from falling over, which can occasionally lead to the suffocation. A good quality crib should have sides that are easily opened, which makes it easy for parents with a bleary eye during 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 style and affordable price. It comes in a range of colors including gender-neutral gray and wood effect. It is specifically designed to fit divan beds. However, you may need longer straps to fit 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 bulkier than other crib options and it's not able to fold completely flat, but it's a good size to fit into its convenient carry bag for travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. However, she notes that the fabric is prone to creasing when it's being removed from its bag for travel.
You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed that has wheels, making it more maneuverable. It also folds completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod, but it has additional features that could make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an optional reflux incline. It also has a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a breathable, sturdy mattress, but some moms were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other options. It comes with a carry bag that is helpful to keep it dust-free and clean in storage between uses.
Style
A bedside crib is also called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed next to your bed. It lets you view your baby and reach them during the night. This is useful to feed your baby at night and change the nappy. It is ideal for parents who want to keep their children close, but do not want to risk suffocation or overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share bedrooms with their child.
There are a variety of styles to choose from. Some come with a side panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to touch and see your baby at night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Others come with a pop-up style that lowers to allow you to lift your baby out and then raises automatically.
You'll also need to consider the dimensions of your bed as well as how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some are more slim and compact than others, which may be crucial if space is limited in your home. Some are stronger and larger and are great for older children who may be starting to roll around or get up at night.
Pick a crib that is breathable fabric, mesh windows and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs have a mattress that can be washed in the machine and is fitted with a sheet that is easier to keep clean than the standard crib mattress. Some come with an anti-reflux option that can be helpful for reflux sufferers.
Safest and most convenient cribs are those that can be attached securely to the parents' bed using straps or a locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful when you have a peculiarly shape bed or a divan. Other features you might look at include a detachable 4th wall, which can be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.