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's mouth to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from births via c-section.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, which comes with numerous technical features that are ideal for parents who are busy, including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a soothing centre with amber light for the night and floor with 2 vibration levels. It is also light and easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib, also known as cosleeper (or baby bassinet) lets your child to sleep near you at night in their crib. This helps to protect them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits and make sure that your child's bed fits snugly. If gaps exist, it may increase the chance of entrapment, which is another danger. It is also essential to keep pillows, blankets and toys out of the crib.
Find a crib that has a mesh panel on the side that is clear, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat and ventilated. The slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will keep your baby from climbing out of the crib. Some cribs also have an integrated changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers, music and night lights. These are fantastic features to have but remember that your baby must remain in their crib until they are able to stand or sit up at around 6 months, when they can safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to choose a crib that doesn't have corner posts as they can pose a danger to your baby by creating areas where their limbs or heads could get trapped. If you have a crib with these, you should consider taking them out to avoid your child becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Also, make sure to keep the crib free of window blind and drape cords because your child could become entangled and fall, or even be strangled.
Check that the cot is still safe for use if you're using a cot that is used. It should be in good condition and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It should also not have rough surfaces or holes. It's also important to ensure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted. the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have lead paint on them, which can be poisonous for infants.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot designed to be placed safely next to the parent's bed, allowing newborns to sleep close by without the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are an excellent option for parents who have a hard to get out of the bed to feed their infant or soothe them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also be used as a Moses basket or a carrycot for infants to offer secure and flexible sleeping arrangements away from the crib.
Bedside cribs fasten securely to the the parent's bed using straps that secure them, and some include the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings to work with different beds. Some cribs come with mesh sides that improve airflow and visibility. Some models have sides that can be moved up or down to give parents direct access to their baby. This is helpful for nighttime feedings and comforting.
Some cribs are tiltable at one end, allowing the most natural sleeping position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However, this should be used with extreme caution and only under the advice of a health professional.
MFM home tester Jasmine loved the size of the crib - "it's a lot bigger than most Moses baskets, and it feels sturdy and solid - a bit like an investment piece, but not so expensive that it's not affordable." She also liked the ease of use, particularly the pivoting base, stating: "You can just spin it around to reach across when you want to check on your babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, you can simply pull it up again."
Another thing she appreciated was the ease with which it was to open and close the door from the outside, particularly when she was bleary-eyed in the dark. She also liked the space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also loved the mattress's comfort and a good size compared to other cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a major plus in the event that you're exhausted from every feed!".
Portability
A bedside crib can be set right next to a parent's bed. This makes it simple for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort or breastfeed. It also helps prevent baby rolling over, which could sometimes cause suffocation. A crib that is safe should have easily-openable sides to ensure that exhausted mothers can open it in the late at night. It should also have a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek style 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 may require longer straps to fit your mattress. Its open side panel, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all easy to use, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs and does not fold completely flat. But it's still a good enough size to fit in its convenient bag for travel. Mum in the BabyCentre forums said it was easy to set up, thanks to its clear instructions and simple mechanism. However, she does mention that the fabric can get wrinkled when removed from the travel bag.
You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib equipped with wheels, which makes it easier to maneuver. It also folds completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, like an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It also has a mesh-lined window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a durable mattress with breathable air. Some mothers thought it was a little shallower, though. It comes with a carry bag, which is useful to keep it dust-free and clean during storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib is known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit right next to your bed. It allows you to see and reach your baby during the night, which helps with night feeds and changing nappy. It is ideal for parents that want to keep their babies close, but do not want to risk drowning or overheating. It's also a great option for couples who don't share the bedroom with their child.
There are bedside travel cot of designs available. Some models feature a side panel which can be lowered. This lets you see and touch your child throughout the night, but prevents accidental sharing of beds. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to let you take your baby out of the crib, but then raises again automatically.
You'll have to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact and are ideal when you are limited on space in your home. Others are sturdier and bigger and are great for older babies who might be beginning to roll or pull themselves up during the night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that can help with ventilation. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine washable and comes with a sheet, which is easier to clean than a standard mattress for a cot. Some have an anti-reflux incline option which can be useful for reflux sufferers.
Safest and most convenient are cribs that can be securely attached to the bed of the parents using straps or a locking system that secures it when not in use. Some cribs also have adjustable legs that can work with a range of different bed heights, which could be useful in the case of an unusually-shaped divan or bed. You might also consider a crib with an adjustable 4th wall that can be used for playpen or a babysitter during the daytime.