Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to your bed and allows you to access your baby for night feedings or to calm them back to sleep. These are especially useful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parents have praised the SnuzPod 4 for its numerous technical features. It has an incline for reflux and a soothing centre, with an amber nightlight and floor lamps with two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and easily moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep near you during the night in their own crib. This protects them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the instructions of the manufacturer for weight limits and make sure that your child's crib fits snugly. If gaps exist, it may increase the risk of getting trapped, which is a risk that is serious. It is also essential to keep blankets, pillows, and toys away from the crib.
Search for a crib with a mesh panel on the side that is clear, and a firm mattress that is flat, firm, and ventilated. The slats shouldn't be larger than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will prevent your baby 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 should remain in their own crib until they are able to stand or sit at the age of 6 months, when they can safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to choose a crib that does not have corner posts, since they can be dangerous to your baby by creating spaces in which their limbs or head could get trapped. If you have a crib with these, you should consider taking them out to avoid your child becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib clear of window blind cords and drape cords as your baby might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
Check that the cot is still safe for use if you are using an old cot. It should not have rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and should be sturdy and in good condition with no loose parts. It is also essential to verify that the cot was taken down and repainted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 may have had leaded paint, which can be harmful to babies.
Easy to Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot that is that is designed to be a safe place beside the bed of a parent, allowing newborns to sleep close to the parent without the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a good option for parents who find it difficult to get out of bed in the evening for feedings and comforting, particularly when they've had an uneasy birth. Some also double up as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more comfortable and safe sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed using straps that secure them, and some include the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings to work with different types of beds. Many come with mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility. Some models come with an option to have the side lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their baby. This is useful for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to promote an easier and more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies with reflux, colic and other digestive issues. However, this should be used with extreme care and only under the advice of a healthcare professional.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the size of the crib and said "it's significantly larger than the majority of Moses baskets, and it feels sturdy and robust - a bit like an investment piece, but not so costly that it's impossible to afford." She also liked the ease of use, particularly its swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach it when you want to check on baby -and then when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it up."
She also liked how simple it was for her to shut and open the door, even when she was bleary-eyed at late at night. She also appreciated the amount of space there was in the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also appreciated how the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size when compared to other cribs for bedside we've tried. She added: "Plus, the sheets are washable, which is a major plus when you're exhausted after every meal!".
Portability
One of the great things about a crib that is bedside is it can be set close to the parents' bed and makes it simple to reach baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It also helps keep the baby from falling over and becoming suffocated. A high-quality crib should have sides that can be open, making it easy for parents with a bleary eye in the middle of the night, as well as a mesh window to monitor your baby.
cot bedside is popular because of its sleek Scandi style and affordable price. It comes in a variety of colours including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is specifically designed to fit divan beds. However, you might require longer straps in order to be compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline, and the adjustable mattress heights are all easy to use even for tired new parents.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs, and it isn't able to fold flat. However, it is still a good enough size to fit into its handy carry bag when travelling. The mother on the BabyCentre forums noted it was easy to set up thanks to its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. However, she notes that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when removed from its travel bag.
You could also choose the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib that has wheels, making it easier to maneuver. It also folds completely flat. It's more expensive than the SnuzPod, but 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 also has a zipper-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a breathable, sturdy mattress, but some moms found it a little shallower than other options. It comes with a bag for carrying, which is useful to keep it dust-free and clean in storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper, is made to fit by your bed. It allows you to view and reach your baby at night, which is helpful with feeding your baby at night and changing nappy. It is ideal for parents who want to keep their babies close, but do not want to risk drowning or overheating. It's also a great option for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of styles available. Some models feature an additional side panel that can be lowered. This lets you see and touch your child at night, but it also prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you lift your baby from the bed, but automatically raise.
You'll need to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact which is essential if you have limited space in your home. Some are larger and more durable, which is great for older babies that may be starting to roll over or slouch at night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs come with a removable mattress, which can be machine-washed and fitted with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline feature, which is beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
The safest and most practical choices are those that secure securely to the bed of your parents, either using straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place even when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is helpful when you have a peculiarly shaped bed or a divan. Other features you could consider include a detachable 4th wall, which can be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, and a removable changing tray.