Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to your bed and allows you to reach your baby for night feedings or to calm them back to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parents have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many features. They include an incline of reflux and a relaxing centre, with an amber nightlight and floor lamps with two levels of vibration. It's also light and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you at night but in their own crib, which keeps them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits and ensure that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. It is important to keep gaps out of the way as they could increase the risk of getting trapped. This is a serious hazard. It's also important to ensure that the crib is free of any items that could pose an entrapment risk, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Look for a crib with a mesh panel on the side that is visible and a mattress that is flat, firm and airy. The slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches 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 lighting for night and music. These are great features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should stay in their own crib until they are able to stand or sit up at the age of 6 months, when they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also essential to select a crib without corner posts as they could pose a risk to your baby's safety because they create spaces in which their limbs or head could be entangled. If you have a crib that contains corner posts, think about removing them to stop your baby from becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib clear of drape cords as your baby bedside sleeper could get caught and fall or strangle.
If you're using an old cot, check that it's still safe to use. It should be in good working order and sturdy, without loose pieces. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also essential to ensure whether the cot has been stripped down and painted. Cots made before 1973 may have had leaded paint, which is harmful to babies.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cot bedside or bassinet, is designed to be placed next to a parent's mattress. This allows newborns to rest with their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. They are a great choice for parents who have a hard getting out of bed to feed their baby or soothe them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also double as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
wooden bedside cot cribs can be secured to the parent's side using a strap. 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, too. Some models have an option to have the side lower or removed to allow parents direct access to their child. This is useful to feed your baby at night and is a great comforter.
Some cribs tilt at one end, allowing the most natural sleeping position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home tester Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib and said "it's a lot bigger than most Moses baskets, and it feels sturdy and solid it's a bit like an investment piece but not so expensive that it's not affordable." She also liked how easy it was to use, especially its swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach over when you want to check on your babyand then when you're ready to go back to sleep, you can simply pull it up again."
Another thing she liked was the ease with which it was to open and close the door from the outside, especially when bleary-eyed in the dark. She also appreciated the amount of space was there inside the crib for stashing blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also liked that the mattress felt comfy and was a decent size compared to other bedside cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is a major bonus after a long feed!"
Portability
One of the great things about a crib that is bedside is it can be set near the bed of the parent, making it easy to reach baby at night to nurse or comfort. It also helps prevent baby rolling over, which can sometimes cause the suffocation. A good crib should have easily-openable sides to ensure that exhausted mothers can open it in middle of night. It should also have a mesh window that keeps an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek Scandi design and low cost. It is available in a variety of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to work with divan beds however, you may need to buy longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline, and the adjustable mattress heights are all easy to operate even for tired new parents.
It's a bit larger than other cribs, and isn't able to fold flat. However, it is still large enough to fit in its convenient bag for travel. Moms on the BabyCentre forums commented that it was easy to set up with its clear instructions and simple mechanism. However, she does mention that the fabric can wrinkle when it is pulled out of the bag to travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels, making it easier to manoeuvre and folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a breathable, sturdy mattress, but some moms were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other models. It comes with a carry bag that is useful for keeping the mattress clean and dust-free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib is also called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed close to your bed. It allows you to view and reach your baby at night, which can help with feedings at night and changing nappy. It is perfect for parents who want to keep their babies close, but don't want to risk suffocation or overheating. It's also a great choice for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of styles to choose from. Some models feature an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower. This allows you to see and touch your child at night, but also prevents 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.
It is also important to consider the size of your bed and how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky and are ideal when you are limited on space in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies that may be starting to roll over or pull themselves up in the night.
Pick a crib that is breathable fabric, mesh windows and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs have mattresses that are removable, and can be machine-washed and is fitted with a mattress. This makes it easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option, which is beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and practical alternatives are those that attach securely to the parents' bed with straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place when in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful if you have an unusually shaped bed or a divan. You may also think about the crib with a removable 4th wall that can be used for an activity area or babysitter during the day.