Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet type cot that attaches to your bed. It lets you reach your baby's side to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep. They are especially helpful for mothers recovering from c section births.
Our parent testers have praised the SnuzPod 4 for its numerous technical features. It has a reflux incline and soothing centre, with an amber nightlight and floorlights with two vibration levels. It's also lightweight and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep next to you during the night in their own crib. This keeps them safe from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits, and make sure that your child's bed fits snugly. If gaps exist, it may increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a danger. It's also important to ensure that the crib is free of any items that could pose a suffocation hazard, including blankets, pillows and toys.
Look for a crib with a mesh panel on one side that you can see through and a mattress that is flat, firm, and breathable. The slats should be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart, and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will prevent your baby from getting out of the crib. Many models also feature a built-in changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers, night lights and music. These are all fantastic features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they can stand or sit up. This usually occurs around 6 months.
bedside crib with wheels should also choose a crib without corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby because they create spaces where their head and limbs might be stuck. If you have a crib with these, consider removing them to stop your baby from becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Also, make sure to keep the crib free of drapery cords and window blinds as your baby may become entangled in them and fall off or get strangled.
Make sure that the cot is still safe to use if you are using a cot that is used. It should be in good working order and sturdy, without loose pieces. It should not have rough surfaces or holes. It is also crucial to verify that the cot was taken down and repainted. Cots made before 1973 could have had lead paint, which can be harmful to babies.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib, also known as a cot or bassinet is designed to be placed next to a parent's mattress. This lets newborns sleep with their parents, without the risks of co-sleeping. These are a great option for parents who have a difficult getting out of the bed to feed their infant or soothe them at night, particularly after a difficult birth. They can also be used as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to offer a more flexible and safe sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the side of the parent's bed by straps that are secure and some have the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings to fit different beds. bedside crib and cot of cribs feature mesh sides to increase visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down side that lowers or removes to allow direct access to the baby from the parent's bed that aids with feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to promote a more natural sleeping position that is safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic, and other digestive issues. However, this should be used with extreme care and only under the advice of a health professional.
MFM home tester Jasmine was impressed by the size of the crib It's "it's much larger than most Moses baskets, and it feels sturdy and robust - a bit like an investment piece, but not so expensive that it's impossible to afford." She also appreciated how easy it was to use, particularly the swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach over if you need to check on baby -and when you're ready to go back to bed you just pull it back up."
Another thing she appreciated was the ease to open and close the door from outside, especially when bleary-eyed in the dark. She also appreciated the space was available within the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other essentials. She also appreciated how the mattress felt comfy and was a decent size in comparison to other cribs that we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is an absolute benefit when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
One of the great things about a crib that is bedside is it can be set near the parent's own bed which makes it easy to reach baby during the night to nurse or comfort. It also can help to stop the baby from rolling over and becoming suffocated. A crib that is of good quality should have sides that can be open, making it easy for parents who are tired during the night, and a mesh window so you can monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek Scandi design and a reasonable price. It is available in a variety of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to work with divan beds, although you may require longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline, and the adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's a bit larger than other cribs, and it isn't able to fold flat. However, it is still a good enough size to fit in its convenient bag for transport when traveling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she notes that the fabric is prone to creasing when it's being taken out of its travel bag.
You could also choose the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed that has wheels, making it more maneuverable. It also folds completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod but it has a few extra features, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an option to reflux inclined. It comes with a mesh window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a durable mattress with breathable air. Some mothers found it a bit shallower, though. It comes with a carry bag that is handy for keeping the mattress dust-free and clean in storage.
Style
A bedside crib is called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit close to your bed. It lets you be able to see and touch your baby during the night, which is helpful with night feeds and changing nappy. This makes it a great choice for parents who want to keep their child close but don't want the dangers of bed-sharing (such as suffocation or overheating). It's also a great choice for couples who do not share the bedroom with their child.
There are many different designs available. Some have a side panel that can be adjusted so that you can be able to touch and see your baby during the night, but it also prevents accidental bed-sharing. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to let you raise your baby but then raises automatically.
You'll need to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which could be important if space is restricted in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is great for older babies who might be starting to roll over or pull themselves up in the night.
Pick a crib that is mesh windows, breathable fabric and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine washable and comes with a sheet that is easier to keep clean than the standard crib mattress. Some also have an anti-reflux incline option, which is useful for people suffering from reflux.
The most secure and practical options are those that fasten securely to the parents' bed, either using straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place even 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 designed bed or divan. Other features you might think about are a detachable fourth wall, which can be used as an infant sitter or play pen during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.