Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style crib that is attached to your bed. It lets you reach your baby's mouth to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep. These are especially useful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our testers from our parent group have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many technical features. These include an incline for reflux and a soothing center, with an amber nightlight as well as floor lamps that have two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib and cot crib (also known as a co-sleeper or baby bedside sleeper bassinet) lets your baby 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 important to adhere to the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits, and to ensure that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. It is important to avoid gaps as they can increase the risk of being entangled. This is a major risk. It's also important to ensure that the crib is free of any items that could pose a suffocation hazard, including pillows, blankets and toys.
Choose a crib that has a mesh side panel you can see your child through, as well as a firm and breathable, flat mattress. The slats should be placed at a minimum of 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard so your baby cannot leave the crib or put their head over the footboard. Many models come with a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers aswell with music, rockers and night lights. These are all wonderful features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to stand up or sit. This usually happens about 6 months old.
It's also important to choose a crib without corner posts as they can pose a danger to your baby because they create spaces in which their limbs or head could get trapped. Take care to remove these posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothing. Also, make sure to keep the crib clear of window blind and drape cords because your child could become entangled and fall or be strangled.
If you're using a secondhand cot, make sure it's safe to use. It should not have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and must be solid and well-maintained with no loose parts. It's also important to make sure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, as cots made before 1973 could have leaded paint on them, which is poisonous for infants.
Ease of Use
bedside crib travel cot crib or cot (more about Instapaper) cribs are bassinet or cot designed to sit safely beside the bed of a parent and allow newborns to rest close to their parents without any of the risks that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a great option for parents who find it difficult to get out of bed to feed their children and comforting, especially in the event of 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 can be secured to the parent's side using a strap. Some come with a swivel and adjustable height settings so they can be used with various kinds of beds or types. Many have mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility. Some models come with an option to have the side moved up or down to give parents the ability to see their baby. This is beneficial for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs are tiltable at one end, allowing an easier sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. However it is recommended to use this method with extreme caution and only with the guidance of a medical professional.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size and weight "it is a lot larger than most Moses baskets and feels strong and robust - it's like an investment piece, but not so expensive as to be prohibitive." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use, especially its swivel bottom, saying: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to check on your baby- and then when you're ready to sleep, you just pull it again."
Another thing she liked was how easy it was to shut and open the door from the outside, particularly when she was bleary-eyed in the dark. She also liked the amount of space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also appreciated how the mattress was comfy and was a decent size when compared to other cribs for bedside we tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets are easily washable - which is a major plus when you're exhausted after a feed!".
Portability
One of the great things about a crib for bed is it can be set right next to the bed of the parent which makes it easy to reach baby at night to nurse or comfort. It also helps prevent baby rolling over, which can occasionally lead to suffocation. A crib that is of good quality should have sides that are easily opened, which makes it easy for parents who are tired in the middle of the night, and also a mesh window so you can monitor your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with its sleek design in Scandi and great price tag. It comes in a variety of colors including gender-neutral gray and wood effect. It is specifically designed to fit divan beds. However, you might require longer straps to fit your mattress. Its opening side panel, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate even for tired new parents.
It's a little bulkier than other cribs, and does not fold completely flat. However, it is still a good enough size to fit into its handy bag for travel. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she notes that the fabric is prone to creasing when removed from its travel bag.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside equipped with wheels, which makes it more maneuverable. It can also fold completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, such as an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It also has a zipper-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a breathable, sturdy mattress, although some mums found it a little shallower than other models. It comes with a carry bag, which is useful to keep it dust-free and clean in storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib is also known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit right next to your bed. It lets you see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is beneficial to feed your baby at night and change the nappy. This makes it a great choice for parents who want to keep their child close but don't want the dangers of sharing a bed (such as overheating or suffocation). It's also a good choice for couples who don't share a room with their child.
There are a variety of styles to choose from. Some models come with a side panel which can be adjusted to lower. This allows you to be able to see and touch your child at night, but prevents accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you lift your baby from the bed, but then automatically raise it.
You'll also have to think about the size 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 in case you are restricted by space in your home. Others are more robust and larger which is ideal for older children who may be starting to roll around or climb up at night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric which can aid in ventilation. Some have a removable mattress that is machine washable and comes with a sheet that is easier to clean than a standard 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 an locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs also have adjustable legs that can be able to work with different bed heights, which can be helpful for those with a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. Other features to look at include a detachable 4th wall, which can be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.