Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to your bed. It allows you to reach your baby's side to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from births via c-section.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, with numerous technical features that are ideal for busy new parents including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a soothing centre with amber light for the night and floor with two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) allows your child to sleep close to you at night but in their own crib, thereby keeping them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). bedside crib and travel cot is important to adhere to the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits and ensure that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. It is crucial to keep gaps out of the way as they could increase the risk of getting trapped. This is a major danger. It is also essential to keep pillows, blankets and toys from the crib.
Look for a crib with a mesh panel on the side that you can see through and a mattress that is firm, flat, and airy. The slats should be spaced at a minimum of 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby isn't able to climb out of the crib or reach their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs have a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers music and night lights. These are great features to have, but remember that your baby must remain in their crib until they're able stand or sit at around 6 months, when they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also essential to select a crib that does not have corner posts as they can pose a danger to your baby because they create spaces where their limbs or heads might be trapped. Consider removing these posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothes. Keep the crib free of drape cords as your baby may become entangled and fall or strangle.
Verify that the cot still safe to use if you are using a used cot. It must be in good shape and sturdy, without loose pieces. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes. It's also important to ensure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, as the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have leaded paint on them, which can be harmful to babies.
Simple to Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot that is designed to sit safely beside the bed of a parent, allowing newborns to sleep close to the parent without any of the risks that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). It's a great choice for parents who find it difficult to get up at night for feeds and comforting, particularly if they've had a difficult birth. They can also double as a Moses basket or a carrycot for infants to offer secure and flexible sleeping arrangements away from the crib.
Bedside cribs fasten securely to the side of the parent's bed by a secure strap and some come with the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings that can be used with various types of beds. bedside sleeper cot come with mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down side that lowers or removes for easy access to the baby from the bed of the parent, which helps in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to encourage the natural sleep position that is safe for babies suffering from reflux, colic, and other digestive issues. This should only be done with the supervision of a medical professional and extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the size of this crib - "it's much larger than most Moses baskets, and feels sturdy and robust - a bit like an investment piece, but not so costly that it's not affordable." She also appreciated how easy it was to use, especially its swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach over if you need to check on your baby- and when you want to go back to bed you just pull it back up again."
She also appreciated how easy it was to shut and open the door, even if she was exhausted at late at night. She also appreciated the amount of space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies, and other essentials. She also appreciated that the mattress was comfortable and a good size compared to some of the other cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is a major bonus after a long feed!"
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it can be placed close to the parent's own bed which makes it easy to reach the baby at night for feeding or to comfort. It also helps prevent baby rolling over, which could sometimes cause suffocation. A good crib should have a side that is easily opened to ensure that exhausted mothers can open it in the middle of the night. It should also come with a mesh window that keeps an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek design in Scandi 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 need longer straps to be compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's a bit larger than other cribs, and does not fold completely flat. However, it is still large enough to fit into its handy carry bag when travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and simple mechanisms. She does point out that the fabric may get wrinkled when removed from the bag for travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib that has wheels, making it more maneuverable. It also folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but it has a few extra features, like a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a sturdy, breathable mattress, but some moms felt it was a bit shallower than other options. It comes with a carry bag that is handy to keep the mattress clean and dust free when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as co-sleeper, is made to fit by your bed. It lets you view your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is helpful for night feedings and changing diapers. This makes it a great choice for parents who want to keep their baby close but don't want to risk the dangers of sharing a bed (such as suffocation or overheating). bedside cot wooden 's also a good option for couples who don't share a room with their child.
There are a variety of designs available. Some have a side panel that can be lowered so that you can see and touch your baby at night but still prevents accidental bed-sharing. Some pop-ups lower to let you lift your baby from the bed, but automatically raise.
You'll also need to consider the dimensions of your bed as well as how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and more compact which is essential when you are limited on space in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is great for older babies that may be starting to roll over or slouch at night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, and has breathable fabric and mesh windows that allow for ventilation. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine washable and fitted with a sheet that is easier to keep clean than the typical crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option which is beneficial for people suffering from reflux.
The most secure and safest cribs can be secured to the parents' bed, either with straps or a locking system that secures it when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful when you have a peculiarly shaped bed or a divan. Other features you could think about are a detachable fourth wall, which could be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.