Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to your bed and allows you to reach your baby for night feedings or to soothe them to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from births via c-section.
Our parent testers praised 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 floorlight and nightlight with two levels of vibration. It is also light and can be moved easily from one room to another.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) allows your baby to sleep next to you at night in their own crib. This helps to protect them from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and make sure that your child's crib fits snugly. If there are gaps they could increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a serious hazard. It is also crucial to keep blankets, pillows, and toys away from the crib.
Choose a crib with mesh sides that which your child can see through, and a sturdy and breathable, flat mattress. The slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard must not be higher than the footboard. This will keep your child from getting out of the crib. Many cribs have a built-in changer, shelves to store diapers and wipes as well with music, rockers and night lights. These are all great features, but your baby should remain in the crib until they are able to sit up or stand. This is usually around 6 months.
It is also advisable to select a crib that does not have corner posts. These can be dangerous for your baby because they create spaces where their head and limbs might be caught. If you have a crib that contains corner posts, think about removing them to avoid your child becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Also, make sure to keep the crib clear of drape and window blind cords as your baby may become entangled in them and fall off or get strangled.
Make sure that the cot is still safe for use if you're using a used cot. It should be in good working order and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It should also not have rough surfaces or holes. It is also essential to check that the cot was taken down and repainted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have contained leaded paint, which could be harmful to babies.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or cot is designed to be placed on top of the parent's mattress. This lets newborns rest with their parents without the risk of co-sleeping. They are a great choice for parents who have a difficult time getting out of the bed to feed their child or soothe them at night, particularly after a difficult birth. They can also double as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the side of the parent's bed using a secure strap and some have the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings that can be used with different types of beds. Some have mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down side which can be removed or lowered to allow access to the baby's bed from the parent's, which helps in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to create the natural sleep position that is safe for babies with reflux, colic, and other digestive issues. This should only be done with the supervision of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size - "it is a lot larger than most Moses baskets and feels solid and sturdy - almost like an investment piece, but not too costly to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use and its swivel bottom and said: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to check on your baby -and then, when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it again."
She also appreciated how easy it was to open and close the door, even when she was bleary-eyed at late at night. She also liked the space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies and other essentials. She also appreciated that the mattress was comfortable and spacious compared to some of the other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - a major bonus when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be set right beside the bed of a parent. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child in the night to soothe or feed their baby. It can also help prevent the baby from rolling over and becoming suffocated. bedside crib with changing table that is of good quality must have sides that are open, making it easy for parents who are tired at the end of the night, and a mesh window to monitor your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with its stylish Scandi design and a reasonable price. It is available in a variety of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect, and is specifically designed to be compatible with divan beds, however, you may need to buy longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use even for parents who are new.
It's a little heavier than other crib options, and it doesn't fold flat, but it's still an ideal size to fit into its convenient bag for transport. The mother on the BabyCentre forums said that it was easy to set up, thanks to its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. However, she points out that the fabric is prone to creasing when taken out of its bag to travel.
If you prefer, you can choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib that has wheels that means it's more maneuverable and folds 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 has a mesh-lined window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a sturdy mattress that is breathable. Some mothers found it a bit smaller, but. It comes with a bag for carrying that is helpful to keep it dust-free and clean during storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib can also be called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed next to your bed. It allows you to see and reach your baby at night, which helps with feedings at night and changing nappy. It is ideal for parents that want to keep their babies close, but do not want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share a room with their child.
There are a variety of styles available. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to touch and see your baby at night, but also stops the possibility of bed sharing. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you lift your baby from the bed, and then automatically raise.
You'll also need to consider the dimensions of your bed and the width or how narrow you want your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and more compact which is essential when you are limited on space in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is great for older babies who might be starting to roll over or pull themselves up at night.
Pick a crib that is mesh windows, breathable fabric and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs have a removable mattress, which can be washed in the machine and equipped with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some come with an anti-reflux option which can be beneficial for reflux sufferers.
Safest and most convenient cribs can be securely attached to the bed of the parents using straps or a locking mechanism that secures it when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is helpful for those with an unusually shaped bed or a divan. It is also possible to consider a crib that has a removable 4th wall that can be used as a playpen or as a babysitter during the day.