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 to soothe them to sleep. These are especially useful for mothers recovering from c section births.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, which comes with many technical features for parents who are busy, including a reflux incline setting and calm centre with amber light for the night and floor with two levels of vibration. It is also lightweight and is able to be easily moved from one room to another.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep with you at night in their crib. This protects them from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for weight limits, and ensure that the crib is a good fit. It is crucial to avoid gaps as they could increase the risk of getting trapped. bedside crib with changing table is a serious risk. It's also important to clear the crib of items that can present an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Look for a crib with mesh panels on the side that is visible and a mattress that is firm, flat, and ventilated. 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 child from getting out of the crib. A lot of cribs have a built-in changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers, lighting for night and music. These are fantastic features to have but remember that your baby must remain in their own crib until they are able to stand or sit up 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 does not have corner posts, since they could pose a risk to your baby's safety by creating areas in which their limbs or head could be entangled. If you have a crib that has these, consider removing them to stop your baby from becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Also, make sure to keep the crib clear of drapery cords and window blinds, as your baby could become entangled and fall or be strangled.
If you're using an old cot, check that it's still safe to use. It should not have any rough surfaces, holes or peeling paint and should be solid and well-maintained with no loose components. It is also essential to ensure that the cot has been taken down and repainted. cots made before 1973 could have paint that has leaded on them, which is poisonous for infants.
Ease of Use
Bedside cribs are cot or bassinet designed to sit safely beside the bed of a parent and allow newborns to sleep close to the parent without any of the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a great option for parents who struggle to get out of bed to feed their children and comforting, especially when they've had a difficult birth. Some are also used as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide a more flexible and safe sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the the parent's bed by straps that secure them and some come with an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to work with different beds. Some cribs come with mesh sides to increase visibility and airflow. 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 helpful for nighttime feedings and comforting.
Some cribs tilt at one end, allowing 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 much larger than most Moses baskets and feels solid and sturdy - almost like an investment piece, but not so expensive as to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience and its swivel bottom and said: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to check on your baby -and then, when you're ready to sleep, you simply pull it back."
Another thing she liked was how easy it was to shut and open the door from the outside, especially when bleary-eyed in the dark. She also appreciated the space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress felt comfortable and that it was a decent size when compared to other cribs that we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - an important benefit when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be placed right next to a parent's bed. This makes it easy for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort or feed their baby. It can also help stop the baby from rolling over and suffocating. A crib that is of good quality should have sides that are open, making it easy for parents who are tired at the end of the night, and a mesh window to keep an eye on your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with its stylish Scandi design and a reasonable price. It comes in a range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect and is specifically designed to work with divan beds, however, you may require a longer strap to make it compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use even for parents who are new.
It's heavier than other cribs and doesn't fold completely flat, but it's adequate to fit into its handy carry bag to travel with. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says that it's a breeze to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she notes that the fabric is prone to creasing when taken out of its travel bag.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels that means it's more maneuverable and folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, including a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a sturdy, breathable mattress, though some mothers found it a little shallower than other options. It comes with a bag for carrying, which is useful to keep it clean and dust-free in storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib is also known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to fit next to your bed. It lets you see and reach your baby during the night, which is helpful with feedings at night and nappy changes. It is perfect for parents who want to keep their babies close, but do not want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of styles available. Some models have a side panel which can be removed. This lets you feel and see your child at night, but it also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-ups lower to let the baby to be lifted off the bed, and then automatically raise it.
You'll also have to think about the dimensions of your bed as well as how wide or narrow you want your crib to be. Some are more slim and compact than others, which can be important if space is restricted in your home. Some are larger and more durable, which is great for older babies who might be starting to roll over or slouch at night.
Choose a crib with mesh windows, breathable fabric and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs have mattresses that are removable, and can be machine-washed and fitted with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option, which is beneficial for people suffering from reflux.
The most secure and reliable choices are those that secure securely to the bed of your parents by straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place even when not in use. Some cribs also have adjustable legs to be able to work with different bed heights. This is useful in the case of a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. Other features you might think about are a detachable fourth wall, which can be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as an adjustable changing tray.