Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that can be attached to your bed and lets you access your baby for meals at night or to bring them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, which has many technical features for parents who are busy, including a reflux incline setting and calm centre with amber floorlight and nightlight with two vibration levels. It is also lightweight and is able to be easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib, also known as cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep with you during the night in their crib. This helps to protect them from 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 fits snugly. If there are gaps, it may increase the chance of being entangled, which is a risk that is serious. It's also important to clear the crib of objects that could create the risk of suffocation, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Look for cribs that have an open side panel that which your child can see through, as well as a firm and breathable, flat mattress. The slats must be spaced no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby cannot get out of the crib or reach their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs have an integrated changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers lighting for night and music. These are great features to have but remember that your baby should remain in their crib until they're able to stand or sit, around 6 months, when they can safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to pick a crib that does not have corner posts as they can be dangerous to your baby's health by creating areas where their head or limbs could get trapped. Take care to remove these posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from getting entangled with their toys or clothes. Keep the crib away form drape cords as your baby could get caught and fall or strangle.
If you're using an old cot, ensure that it's safe to use. It should not have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and must be sturdy and in good condition with no loose parts. It is also crucial to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, since older cots may have paint that has leaded on them, which can be toxic for babies.
Easy of Use
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cot is designed to be positioned on top of the parent's mattress. This lets babies sleep near their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. They're a great option for parents who struggle to get up at night for feeds and comforting, especially if they've had a difficult birth. They can also be used as a Moses basket or a carrycot for infants to offer safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the the parent's bed by straps that secure them, and some include the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings to fit various types of beds. Many come with mesh sides for improved visibility and airflow, too. Some models come with sides that can be moved up or down to give parents direct access to their baby. This is useful for nighttime feedings and comforting.
Some cribs tilt at one end, allowing the most natural sleeping position for babies with reflux or colic. However, this should be used with extreme caution and only with the guidance of a health professional.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib It's "it's much larger than most Moses baskets and feels sturdy and solid It's almost like an investment piece, but not so expensive that it's impossible to afford." She also appreciated the ease of use, particularly the base that swivels, and she said: "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 simply pull it up again."
She also liked how easy it was for her to open and close the door, even when she was exhausted at late at night. She also liked the amount of space within the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. bedside cot sale appreciated how the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size when compared to other cribs that we've tried. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a huge plus when you're exhausted after a meal!".
Portability
One of the best things about a bedside crib is it can be set close to the parents' bed which makes it easy to reach the baby at night for feeding or to comfort. It can also help stop the baby from rolling over and suffocating. A high-quality crib should have sides that can be easily opened, which makes it easy for parents who are tired during the night, as well as a mesh window so you can keep an eye on your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its stylish Scandi design and great price tag. It comes in a variety of colours including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is specifically designed to fit divan beds. However, you may require longer straps in order to match your mattress. Its opening side panel with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all easy to operate, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's heavier than some of the other cribs and doesn't fold flat, but it's an ideal size to fit in its handy carry bag for travelling. Moms on the BabyCentre forums noted it was easy to set up with its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. However, she points out that the fabric is prone to tearing when removed from 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 much easier to move. It can also fold completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod however, it has additional features that could make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments and an optional reflux tilt. It has a mesh window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a sturdy mattress that is breathable. Some moms found it a bit deeper, however. It comes with a carrying bag that is handy to keep the mattress clean and dust free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper, is made to fit by your bed. It lets you be able to see and touch your baby during the night, which helps with night feeds and nappy changes. It is ideal for parents that want to keep their babies close, but do not want to risk drowning or overheating. It's also a great choice for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are many different designs available. Some models feature an upper and lower panel that can be removed. This lets you see and touch your child throughout the night, but prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to allow you to lift your baby out and then raises automatically.
You'll also need to consider the dimensions of your bed and how wide or narrow you want your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and compact, which is important when you are limited on space in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is perfect for older children who may be starting to roll over or slouch at night.
Choose a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that allow for ventilation. Some cribs come with an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and fitted with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some models have an anti-reflux feature that can be helpful for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and safest are cribs that can be attached securely to the parents' bed, either with straps or a locking system that holds it in place even when it is not in use. Some cribs also have adjustable legs to work with a range of different bed heights. This is useful for those with an unusually-shaped divan or bed. You might also consider a crib that has an adjustable 4th wall that can be used as an activity area or babysitter during the day.