Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
Essentially, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to your bed and allows you to reach your baby for evening feedings or to help calm them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, with lots of technical features for parents with busy schedules, including a reflux incline setting and the soothing centre that has an amber light for the night and floor with two levels of vibration. It is also light and easily moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet for babies or a co-sleeper) allows your child to sleep close to you at night but in their own crib, thereby keeping them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits and that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. It is important to keep gaps out of the way as they could increase the risk of entrapment. This poses a serious risk. It is also essential to ensure that the crib is free of objects that could create a suffocation hazard, including blankets, pillows and toys.
Look for a crib with a mesh panel on one side that is clear and a mattress that is flat, firm and breathable. 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 baby cannot leave the crib or put their head over the footboard. Some cribs also have a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, music and night lights. These are all great features, but your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to sit up or stand. This is usually about 6 months old.
It is also advisable to select a crib that does not have corner posts. These can be dangerous for your baby since they create spaces where their limbs and heads may get trapped. If you have a crib that contains corner posts, think about removing them to avoid your child becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Keep the crib clear of drape cords since your baby may become entangled and fall or strangle.
Check that the cot is still safe to use even if you're using an old cot. It should be in good working order and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes. It is also essential to ensure that the cot was stripped down and repainted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 could have had lead paint, which can be dangerous for infants.
Easy of Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot that is that is designed to be a safe place beside the parent's bed and let babies sleep close by without any of the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are an excellent option for parents who have a hard time getting out of bed to feed their baby or soothe them at night, particularly after a difficult birth. Some are also used as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to offer a more flexible and secure sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the side of the parent's bed with a secure strap and some come with a swivel base and adjustable height settings to work with different types of beds. Many have mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility, too. Some models have a side that can be lower or removed to allow parents direct access to their child. This is beneficial for nighttime feedings and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to encourage an easier and more natural sleeping position that is 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 loved the size of the crib and said "it's much larger than most Moses baskets, and feels solid and sturdy It's almost like an investment piece but not so expensive that it's impossible to afford." She also liked the ease of use, especially its base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach over in case you need to check on your baby- and when you want to go back to sleep, you can simply pull it up."
Another thing she appreciated was how easy it was to shut and open the door from the outside, especially when exhausted in the dark. She also enjoyed how much space there was within the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress felt comfortable and was a decent size in comparison to other cribs for bedside we tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets are easily washable - which is a huge plus in the event that you're exhausted from every feed!".
cots4tots of the best things about a crib for bed is it can be set near the bed of the parent, making it easy to reach baby during the night to nurse or comfort. It also helps prevent baby rolling over, which could sometimes cause death. A crib that is of good quality should have sides that are easily opened, which makes it easy for parents who are tired at the end of the night, and also a mesh window so you can monitor your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek design and affordable price. It is available in a variety of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect and is designed to work with divan beds, however, you may require longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. Its opening side panel with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all simple to use even for sleepy new parents.
It's a little bulkier than other cribs, and it isn't able to fold flat. But it's nevertheless a decent size to fit into its handy carry bag when travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she points out that the fabric is prone to tearing when pulled out of its bag to travel.
You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside equipped with wheels, which makes it easier to maneuver. It can also fold completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, including an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It has a mesh window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a solid mattress with breathable air. Some moms thought it was a little deeper, however. It comes with a carry bag, which is useful to keep it clean and dust-free in storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is designed to be placed near your bed. It lets you see your baby and reach them during the night. This is beneficial to feed your baby at night and change the nappy. It is ideal for parents that want to keep their children close but do not want to risk drowning or overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share bedrooms with their child.
There are a variety of styles to choose from. Some models have an upper and lower panel that can be removed. This allows you to see and touch your child during the night, but it also prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Others come with a pop-up style that lowers to let you raise your baby but then raises automatically.
You'll have 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 more robust and larger which is ideal for older babies who might be starting to roll around or climb up at night.
Choose a crib that is easy to clean, and has breathable fabric and mesh windows that allow for ventilation. Some cribs have an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and fitted with a mattress. This makes it easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline option which can be useful for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and practical choices are those that secure securely to the bed of your parents, either using straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place when in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful if you have an unusually designed bed or divan. You may also think about a crib that has an adjustable 4th wall that can be used as a playpen or as a babysitter during the daytime.