Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that can be attached to your bed and lets you reach your baby for evening feedings or to help bring them back to sleep. These are especially useful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which comes with many technical features for parents with busy schedules, including a reflux incline setting and calm centre with amber light for the night and floor with two vibration levels. It's also lightweight and is able to be easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib vs cot crib, also known as cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep with you at night in their own crib. This keeps them safe from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits and that your child's mattress fits snugly. It is essential to stay clear of gaps since they can increase the risk of entrapment. This poses a serious hazard. It is also important to keep pillows, blankets and toys out of the crib.
Choose cribs that have an open side panel that you can see your child through and a firm and breathable, flat mattress. The slats should be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will stop your baby from getting out of the crib. A lot of cribs have a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers music and night lights. These are great features to have, but remember that your baby should stay in their crib until they're able to sit up or stand at the age of 6 months old, at which point they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to choose a crib that doesn't have corner posts as they can be dangerous to your baby's health because they create spaces where their head or limbs could get trapped. Consider removing the posts from your crib to stop your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothing. Keep the crib free of drape cords, as your child might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
If you're using an old cot, ensure that it's safe to use. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and must be solid and well-maintained with no loose parts. It is also important to verify that the cot was stripped down and repainted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 could have had lead paint, which could be harmful to babies.
Easy of Use
A bedside Crib or cot crib, also referred to as a cot bedside or bassinet is designed to be set on top of the parent's mattress. This allows newborns to sleep with their parents, without the risk of co-sleeping. These are a great option for parents who have a hard time getting out of the bed to feed their child or soothe them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also be used as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs fasten securely to the the parent's bed with straps that are secure and some have the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings that can be used with various types of beds. Many come with mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility, too. Some models have an option to have the side lowered or removed to give parents the ability to see their baby. This is helpful to feed your baby at night and is a great comforter.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to promote a more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic, and other digestive issues. This is only done under the guidance of a medical professional and extreme caution.
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 expensive that it's unaffordable." She also liked the ease of use, particularly its swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach it when you want to check on your babyand then when you're ready to go back to bed you just pull it back up again."
She also liked how easy it was for her to shut and open the door, even if she was tired at the end of the night. She also liked the amount of space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also liked that the mattress felt comfortable and was a decent size compared to other best bedside cot cribs we tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets are easily washable - which is a major plus in the event that you're exhausted from every feed!".
Portability
A wooden bedside cot crib could be placed next to a parent's bed. This makes it easy for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort them or breastfeed. It also prevents baby from rolling over, which could occasionally lead to suffocation. A good quality crib must have sides that are easily opened, which makes it easy for parents who are tired at the end of the night, and a mesh window so you can keep an eye on your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek Scandi design and affordable price. It comes in a variety of colors including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is specifically designed to fit divan beds. However, you may require longer straps to be compatible with your mattress. The opening side panel as well as the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use, even for new parents.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs, and it isn't able to fold flat. But it's still a good enough size to fit in its convenient bag for transport when traveling. The mother on the BabyCentre forums said that it was simple to set up, thanks to its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. However, she warns that the fabric is prone to creasing when pulled out of its bag for travel.
You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside that has wheels, making it easier to maneuver. It also folds completely flat. It's more expensive than the SnuzPod, but it has several additional features that may be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an optional reflux incline. It also has a zip-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a breathable, sturdy mattress, although some mums felt it was a bit shallower than other models. It comes with a carry bag that is useful for keeping the mattress dust-free and clean in storage.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper, is made to be placed near your bed. It allows you to view and reach your baby at night, which helps with feeding your baby at night and changing nappy. This makes it a great choice for parents who wish to keep their baby close, but don't want to risk the dangers of bed-sharing (such as suffocation and overheating). It's also a good option for couples who don't share a room with their child.
There are many different styles to choose from. Some models come with a side panel which can be removed. This lets you feel and see your child throughout the night, but prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower so that you to lift your baby off the bed, but automatically raise it.
You'll have to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which can be crucial if space is limited in your home. Others are more robust and larger which is ideal for older babies who might be beginning to roll or climb up at night.
Pick a crib that is mesh windows, breathable fabric and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine washable and is fitted with a sheet, which is easier to clean than the typical cot mattress. Some come with an anti-reflux option that could be beneficial to those suffering from reflux.
The safest and most practical alternatives are those that attach securely to the bed of your parents with straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place even when not in use. Some cribs also come with adjustable legs to accommodate different bed heights, which could be useful for those with a divan or another unusually-shaped bed. It is also possible to consider the crib with a fourth wall that is removable and can be used as playpen or a babysitter during the daytime.