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 help soothe them to sleep. These are especially useful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many technical features. It has an incline of reflux and a relaxing centre, with an amber nightlight as well as floor lamps with two levels of vibration. It's also light and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet for babies or a co-sleeper) allows your child to sleep close to you at night but in their own crib, thereby keeping them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits and that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. If gaps exist they could increase the chance of being entangled, which is a risk that is serious. It is also crucial to keep pillows, blankets and toys out of the crib.
Search for a crib with a mesh panel on one side that you can see through, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat, and breathable. The slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib. Many models also feature an integrated changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers, music and night lights. These are fantastic features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should remain in their crib until they're able to stand or sit up at around 6 months old, at which point they're able to sleep in a different crib.
It's also important to choose a crib that does not have corner posts, since they can pose a danger to your baby's safety because they create spaces where their limbs or heads could be entangled. If you have a crib that contains these, consider removing them to prevent your baby from becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Keep the crib clear of window blind cords and drape cords as your baby may become entangled and fall or strangle.
If you're using an old cot, make sure it's still safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint, and it should be solid and well-maintained with no loose components. It is also crucial to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, since cots made before 1973 could have lead paint on them, which can be harmful to babies.
Easy of Use
A bedside crib is a cot or bassinet designed to be placed safely next to the parent's bed and allow newborns to rest close to their parents without any of the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a good option for parents who struggle to get up to feed their children and comforting, especially if they've had an uneasy birth. Some are also used as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide an easier and safer sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed by straps that are secure, and some include an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to work with different types of beds. Many have mesh sides for improved airflow and visibility. Some models come with an option to have the side moved up or down to give parents direct access to their baby. This is helpful for nighttime feedings and comforting.
Some cribs tilt at one end, allowing a more natural sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. However it is recommended to use this method with extreme caution and only with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
bedside crib and travel cot liked this crib's size and weight "it is a lot larger than other Moses baskets and feels strong and sturdy - almost like an investment piece but not so expensive as to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience and its swivel bottom she said: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to check on your babyand then, when you're ready to sleep, simply pull it again."
She also liked how simple it was to open and close the door, even if she was bleary-eyed at night. She also appreciated the space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size in comparison to other cribs that we've tried. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - a major bonus when you're exhausted from every feed!"
Portability
One of the great things about a crib that is bedside is that it can be placed near the bed of the parent, making it easy to reach baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It also assists in preventing baby from falling over, which can occasionally lead to death. A good quality crib must have sides that are easily accessible, making it easy for parents with a bleary eye at the end of the night, and also a mesh window to keep an eye on your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek design and low cost. It comes in a range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to work with divan beds however you might require a longer strap to ensure it is 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 sleepy new parents.
It's a little heavier than some of the other cribs, and it doesn't fold flat, but it's a good size to fit in its handy carry bag for travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says that it's easy to set up, with clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. She does point out that the fabric can be stretched when pulled out of the travel bag.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels that means it's easier to manoeuvre and 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 to make cleaning easy and a durable, breathable mattress, although some mums felt it was a bit shallower than other options. It comes with a bag for carrying that is helpful to keep it dust-free and clean in storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as co-sleeper, is made to be placed near your bed. It lets you be able to see and touch your baby during the night, which helps with feeding your baby at night and changing nappy. It is ideal for parents that wish to keep their children close but do not want to risk suffocation or overheating. It's also a great option for couples who don't share the bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of different styles to choose from. Some models come with a side panel which can be removed. This allows you to feel and see your child at night, but prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to let you take your baby out of the crib but then raises automatically.
You'll have to take into account the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and compact which is essential if you have limited space in your home. Some are larger and more durable, which is perfect for older children who may be beginning to roll over or slouch in the night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, with mesh windows and breathable fabric that can help with ventilation. Some cribs come with an adjustable mattress that can be washed in the machine and fitted with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than the regular crib mattress. Some models have an anti-reflux feature that could be beneficial to reflux sufferers.
The most secure and reliable alternatives are those that attach securely to the bed of your parents with straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place even when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is helpful for those with an unusually shape bed or a divan. Other features you might look at include a detachable 4th wall that can be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, and a removable changing tray.