Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
Essentially, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that fixes to your bed and lets you reach your baby for evening feedings or to help calm them back to sleep. They are especially helpful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, with many technical features for busy new parents including an incline setting for reflux and a soothing centre with amber floorlight and nightlight with two vibration levels. It's also light and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called 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 dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits and ensure that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. If gaps exist they could increase the risk of entrapment, which is another danger. It is also essential to ensure that the crib is free of items that can present a suffocation hazard, including blankets, pillows and toys.
Search for a crib with a mesh panel on one side that you can see through, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat and ventilated. The slats should be placed no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard to ensure that your child is unable to leave the crib or raise their head over the footboard. Many models come with a built-in changer, shelves for storing wipes and diapers aswell as rockers, music, and night lights. These are all great features, but your baby should stay in the crib until they can stand or sit up. This usually happens around 6 months.
You should also choose a crib that does not have corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby because they create spaces where their head and limbs might be caught. If you have a crib with these, consider removing them to prevent your baby from getting caught in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib free of drape cords as your baby could get caught and fall or strangle.
If you're using a secondhand cot, ensure that it's still safe to use. It should be in good working order and sturdy, without loose pieces. It shouldn't have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also essential to ensure whether the cot has been stripped down and repainted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 could have had lead paint, which could be dangerous for infants.
Simple to Use
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot designed to sit safely beside a parent's bed, allowing newborns to sleep close to the parent 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 at night for feeds and comforting, especially when they've had a difficult birth. Some are also used as an infant Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide a more flexible and safe sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs fasten securely to the side of the parent's bed with a secure strap and some come with the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings to fit various types of beds. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides that improve the visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down sides which can be removed or lowered to allow access to the baby from the parent's bed that aids in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs tilt at one end, which can encourage an easier sleep position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This is only done under the guidance of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine liked this crib's size and weight "it is a lot larger than other Moses baskets and feels strong and rugged - a little like an investment piece, but not too expensive to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience particularly its swivel base, saying: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to check on your babyand then, when you're ready to go back to sleep, simply pull it again."
She also liked how easy it was for her to shut and open the door, even if she was tired at night. She also appreciated the space was there within the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other essentials. She also liked the mattress's comfort and was a good size in comparison to some of the cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - an important benefit when you're exhausted from every feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib could be set right next to a parent's bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child at night to comfort or breastfeed. It also prevents baby from rolling over, which could sometimes cause death. A high-quality crib should have sides that are easily accessible, making it simple for bleary-eyed parents at the end of the night, and also a mesh window that lets you monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with its sleek Scandi design and a reasonable price. It comes in a range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to work with divan beds however, you may require a longer strap to make it compatible with your mattress. The opening side panel, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use, even for new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than some of the other cribs and doesn't fold completely flat, but it's a good size to fit in its handy carry bag for travelling. Mum in the BabyCentre forums noted that it was simple to set up with its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. She also points out that the fabric can be stretched when taken out of the bag for travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels, making it more maneuverable, and it folds down completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod however, it has additional features that could appeal, including a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an optional reflux incline. It also has a mesh-lined window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a solid mattress with breathable air. Some mothers found it a bit smaller, but. It comes with a carry bag that is handy to keep the mattress clean and dust-free when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib is also known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit next to your bed. funny post allows you to view and reach your baby during the night, which helps with feedings at night and nappy changes. It is ideal for parents that wish to keep their children close, but don't want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a great choice for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are many different styles to pick from. Some come with a side panel that is able to be lowered to let you feel and touch your baby during the night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some pop-up designs lower to allow the baby to be lifted off the bed, but then automatically raise it.
You'll need to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact and are ideal if you have limited space in your home. Others are sturdier and bigger which is ideal for older babies who could be beginning to roll or climb up at night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, and has breathable fabric and mesh windows that allow for ventilation. Some cribs come with mattresses that are removable, and can be washed in the machine and fitted with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline feature, which is beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and safest are cribs that can be secured to the parents' bed using straps or a locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is a great option when you have a peculiarly shape bed or a divan. Other features to look at include a detachable 4th wall that can be used as an infant sitter or play pen during the day, as well as an adjustable changing tray.