Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to your bed and lets you reach your baby for evening feedings or to help soothe them back to sleep. They are particularly useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, which comes with lots of technical features for parents with busy schedules, including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a the soothing centre that has an amber light for the night and floor with two levels of vibration. It's also light and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) lets your child to sleep next to you during the night in their own crib. This keeps them safe from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits and that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. If gaps exist this could increase the risk of being entangled, which is a danger. It's also important to keep the crib clear of items that can present the risk of suffocation, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Choose a crib with mesh sides that you can see your child through, and a sturdy and breathable, flat mattress. The slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard must not be higher than the footboard. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib. Many models come with a built-in changer, shelves to store diapers and wipes as well as rockers, music, and night lights. These are great features to have, but keep in mind that your baby must remain in their own crib until they are able to stand or sit up at around six months, when they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It is also recommended to choose a crib with no corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby since they create spaces in which their limbs and head may get caught. If you have a crib that has these, you should consider taking them out to avoid your child becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Also, make sure to keep the crib clear of drapery cords and window blinds because your child could get caught in them and fall, or even be strangled.
If you're using an old cot, ensure that it is still safe to use. It should be in good condition and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also important to ensure whether the cot has been stripped down and repainted. travel cot bedside crib that were made prior to 1973 may have had leaded paint, which could be toxic for babies.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot that is designed to be placed safely next to the bed of a parent, allowing newborns to sleep close to the parent without any of the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are an excellent option for parents who have a difficult to get out of bed to feed their baby or soothe them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also be used as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide comfortable and safe sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side using straps. Some have the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings, so they can be used with different types or beds. Many come with mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility, too. Some have a drop-down feature which can be removed or lowered to allow access to the baby from the bed of the parent that aids with feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs are tiltable at one end, which can encourage the most natural sleeping position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However it is recommended to use this method with extreme care and only under the advice of a health professional.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib and weight "it is a lot bigger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels strong and sturdy - almost like an investment piece, but not too expensive to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its ease of use, especially its swivel bottom, saying: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to check on your baby -and when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it back."
Another thing she appreciated was the ease with which it was to open and shut the door from the outside, especially when exhausted in the dark. She also appreciated the space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies, and other essentials. She also liked how the mattress was comfy and was a decent size in comparison to other cribs that we've tried. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - an absolute benefit when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be placed right next to a parent's bed. This makes it simple for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort them or feed their baby. It also helps stop the baby from rolling over and becoming suffocated. A crib that is safe should have easily-openable sides to ensure that exhausted mothers can easily open it in the middle of night. It should also have a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek, modern 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 require longer straps in order to fit your mattress. Its side panel that opens with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all easy to use, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than other cribs and doesn't fold completely flat, but it's an ideal size to fit in its handy carry bag for travelling. Moms on the BabyCentre forums commented that it was simple to set up with its clear instructions and simple mechanism. However, she does mention that the fabric could be stretched when taken out of the bag for travel.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib that has wheels that means it's easier to manoeuvre, and it folds down completely flat. It's more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with additional features that could appeal, including a storage shelf, six height adjustments and an optional reflux incline. It also has a zip-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a sturdy, breathable mattress, but some moms were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other models. It comes with a carry bag, which is useful to keep it clean and dust-free in storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper, is designed to be placed beside your bed. It lets you view and reach your baby during the night, which helps with night feeds and changing nappy. It is ideal for parents who wish to keep their children close, but do not want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a great choice for couples who do not share bedrooms with their child.
There are many different styles you can choose from. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be lowered so that you can feel and touch your baby during the night, but also stops accidental bed-sharing. Some pop-up designs lower to allow the baby to be lifted off the bed, and then automatically raise it.
You'll also need to consider the dimensions of your bed and the width or how narrow you want your crib to be. Some are more slim and compact than others, which can be important if space is limited in your home. Some are stronger and larger which is ideal for older babies who might be beginning to roll or get up at night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that can help with ventilation. Some cribs come with an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and fitted with a mattress. This makes it easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option, which is beneficial for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and reliable options are those that fasten securely to the bed of your parents by 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 may also think about a crib that has a fourth wall that is removable and can be used as a playpen or as a babysitter during the daytime.