Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet type crib that is attached to your bed. It allows you to 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 testers from our parent group have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many features. It has a reflux incline and soothing center, which has an amber nightlight as well as floor lamps with two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and easily moves from room to room.
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). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and ensure that your child's crib is snugly fitted. If there are gaps they could increase the risk of getting trapped, which is a danger. It is also essential to keep blankets, pillows and toys out of the crib.
Look for a crib with mesh panels on the 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 child is unable to climb out of the crib or raise their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs have an integrated changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers night lights and music. These are all great features however, your baby should remain in the crib until they are able to sit up or stand. This usually occurs about 6 months old.
You should also choose a crib that does not have corner posts. These can be dangerous for your baby because they create spaces where their head and limbs may get trapped. Take care to remove these posts from your crib to prevent your child from getting caught with their toys or clothing. Keep the crib clear of window blind cords and drape cords, as your child may become entangled and fall or strangle.
Verify that the cot still safe to use if you are using a cot that is used. It should not have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and should be solid and in good condition with no loose parts. It is also crucial to ensure whether the cot has been stripped down and repainted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 could have had lead paint, which can be harmful to babies.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or cot, is designed to be set next to a parent's mattress. This allows newborns to rest with their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. These are an excellent option for parents who have a difficult time getting out of the bed to feed their child or soothe them at night, especially after a difficult birth. They are also used as an infant Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide a more flexible and safe sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed using straps that are secure and some have a swivel base and adjustable height settings to work with various types of beds. Many cribs have mesh sides that improve airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down side that can be lowered or removed to allow access to the baby from the bed of the parent, which helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to create the natural sleep position that is safe for babies with reflux, colic and other digestive issues. 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 the crib and said "it's much larger than the majority of Moses baskets, and feels sturdy and robust it's a bit like an investment piece but not so expensive that it's impossible to afford." She also liked how easy it was to use, especially its base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach across in case you need to check on babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it up again."
She also appreciated how easy it was to shut and open the door, even if she was bleary-eyed at late at night. She also appreciated the amount of space was there inside the crib for stashing nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also appreciated how the mattress was comfy and was a decent size when compared to other cribs that we've tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a huge plus when you're exhausted after every feed!".
Portability
One of the best things about a bedside crib is that it can be positioned right next to the parents' bed and makes it simple to reach baby at night to nurse or comfort. It also can help to stop the baby from rolling over and suffocating. A high-quality crib must have sides that are easily accessible, making it simple for bleary-eyed parents during the night, as well as a mesh window so you can monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek Scandi design and affordable price. It comes in a variety of colors including gender-neutral gray and wood effect. It is made to fit divan beds. However, you may need longer straps to match your mattress. The opening side panel, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use even for parents who are new.
It's a bit bulkier than other crib options, and it doesn't fold flat, but it's adequate to fit into its convenient carry bag for travelling. Moms on the BabyCentre forums noted that it was simple to set up thanks to its clear instructions and simple mechanism. However, she does mention that the fabric can get wrinkled when taken out of the bag for travel.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels that means it's easier to manoeuvre, and it folds down completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, like a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It also has a mesh-lined window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a sturdy mattress that is breathable. Some mums considered it to be a bit shallower, though. It comes with a carry bag that is handy for keeping the mattress clean and dust-free when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper, was designed to be placed near your bed. It allows you to see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is useful to feed your baby at night and change the diapers. It is ideal for parents that want to keep their children close, but don't want to risk drowning or overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are many different styles to choose from. Some models come with a side panel which can be adjusted to lower. This allows you to be able to see and touch your child throughout the night, but prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Others come with a pop-up style that lowers to allow you to take your baby out of the crib, but then raises again automatically.
You'll have to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky which is essential if you have limited space in your home.
baby bedside cot are bigger and more durable, which is great for older babies who might be starting to roll over or slouch at night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, with breathable fabric and mesh windows that allow for ventilation. Some cribs come with a removable mattress, which can be machine-washed and fitted with a mattress. This makes it easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux option that could be beneficial to reflux sufferers.
The safest and most practical alternatives are those that attach securely to the parents' bed with straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place when in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful when you have a peculiarly designed bed or divan. You might also consider a crib with a removable 4th wall that could be used as a playpen or as a babysitter during the day.