Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your bed and allows you to access your baby for evening feedings or to help bring them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from c-section births.
Our testers from our parent group have praised the SnuzPod 4 for its many features. They include a reflux incline and soothing center, which has an amber nightlight as well as floorlights with two vibration levels. It's also light and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet for babies or a co-sleeper) allows your child to sleep close to you at night but in their own crib, thereby keeping them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and ensure that your child's bed fits snugly. It is crucial to keep gaps out of the way as they increase the chance of being entangled. This is a major danger. It is also important to keep blankets, pillows and toys out of the crib.
Find cribs that have a mesh side panel you can see your child through and a firm air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats must be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will keep your child from getting out of the crib. Many models come with a built-in changer, shelves for storing diapers and wipes as well as rockers, music, and night lights. These are all great features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they can stand or sit up. This is usually around 6 months.
It's also important to pick a crib that doesn't have corner posts, since they could pose a risk to your baby's health by creating areas where their limbs or heads might be trapped. If you have a crib with these, you should consider taking them out to prevent your baby from becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Keep the crib away form window blind cords and drape cords as your baby may become entangled and fall or strangle.
If you're using an old cot, make sure it's still safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and must be sturdy and in good condition with no loose components. It is also essential to verify that the cot was taken down and painted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 may have had leaded paint, which is toxic for babies.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib, also known as a cot or bassinet, is designed to be set next to a parent's mattress. This lets babies rest with their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. It's a great choice for parents who are struggling to get out of bed in the evening for feedings and comforting, especially if they've had an uneasy birth. Some also double up as a Moses basket or a carrycot for infants to offer safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side using straps. Some have an adjustable swivel and swivel settings, so they can be used with various types or beds. Many have mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility. Some models come with sides that can be lower or removed to allow parents direct access to their child. This is beneficial to feed your baby at night and is a great comforter.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to create the natural sleep position that is safe for babies with reflux, colic or other digestive issues. This is only done under the guidance of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home tester Jasmine loved the size of the crib - "it's a lot bigger than most Moses baskets, and feels sturdy and solid it's a bit like an investment piece, but not so expensive that it's impossible to afford." She also liked the ease of use, particularly its base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach it if you need to check on baby- and when you want to go back to bed you can simply pull it up again."
Another thing she appreciated was how easy it was to shut and open the door from the outside, especially when you're tired and drowsy in the darkness. She also appreciated the amount of space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also appreciated how the mattress was comfortable and that it was a decent size compared to other bedside cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is an absolute benefit after a long feed!"
Portability
One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it can be positioned close to the parent's own bed and makes it simple to reach baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It can also help prevent the baby from rolling over and suffocating. A crib that is of good quality must have sides that are easily opened, which makes it simple for bleary-eyed parents in the middle of the night, and also a mesh window to keep an eye on your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek, modern design and low cost. It comes in a range of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to be compatible with divan beds, however, you may require a longer strap to make it compatible with your mattress. Its opening 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 cribs and doesn't fold flat, but it's still an ideal size to fit in its handy bag for transport. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says that it's easy to set up, with clear instructions and simple controls. She does point out that the fabric could be stretched when taken out of the bag to travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib that has wheels, making it much easier to move. It folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, including an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It comes with a mesh window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a sturdy mattress that is breathable. Some mums thought it was a little smaller, but. It comes with a carry bag that is helpful for keeping it dust-free and clean during storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is designed to fit by your bed. It lets you see and reach your baby throughout the night, which can help with feeding your baby at night and changing nappy. It is perfect for parents who wish to keep their children close but do not want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a great choice for couples who don't share the bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of different styles to pick from. Some models have an upper and lower panel that can be removed. This allows you to feel and see your child at night, but prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to allow you to take your baby out of the crib and then raises automatically.
You'll have to take into account the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky, which is important if you have limited space in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal for older children who may be starting to roll over or slouch at night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs come with mattresses that are removable, and can be washed in the machine and fitted with a mattress. This makes it easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline feature, which is useful for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and safest are cribs that can be secured to the parents' bed, either with straps or a locking system that keeps it in place even when it is not in use. Some cribs also have adjustable legs that be able to work with different bed heights, which could be useful in the case of a divan or another unusually-shaped bed. Other features you could think about are a detachable fourth wall, which could be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as a removable changing tray.