Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style crib that is attached to your bed. It allows you to reach your baby's side to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parents have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many technical features. These include a reflux incline and soothing center, which has an amber nightlight, as well as floorlights with two vibration levels. It's also lightweight and is able to be easily moved from one room to another.
Safety
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep next to you during the night in their own crib. This helps to protect them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits and make sure that your child's crib is snugly fitted. It is essential to keep gaps out of the way as they increase the chance of entrapment. This is a major hazard. It is also essential to ensure that the crib is free of items that can present the risk of suffocation, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Look for a crib with a mesh panel on one side that you can see through and a mattress that is firm, flat, and breathable. The slats should be placed at a minimum of 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 come with a built-in changer, shelves to store diapers and wipes as well as music, rockers, and night lights. These are all great features, but your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to stand up or sit. This is usually about 6 months old.
You should also choose a crib that does not have corner posts. bedside travel cot cotsfortots can be dangerous for your baby since they create spaces where their head and limbs may get stuck. 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 child may become entangled and fall or strangle.
Make sure that the cot is still safe to use if you're using an old cot. It must be in good shape and sturdy, without loose pieces. It should also not have rough surfaces or holes. It is also essential to verify that the cot was stripped down and painted. Cots made before 1973 could have had lead paint, 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 associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They are a great choice for parents who have a hard to get out of the bed to feed their child or comfort them at night, particularly after a difficult birth. They can also double as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide comfortable and safe sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the parent's side by a strap. Some have a swivel and adjustable height settings, which means they can be used with various kinds of beds or types. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down feature which can be removed or lowered for easy access to the baby from the parent's bed that aids with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to create the natural sleep position that's safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic and other digestive issues. However, this should be used with extreme care and only with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size - "it is a lot bigger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels solid and rugged - a little 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 if you need reach over to check on your baby- and then when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it back."
Another thing she liked was how easy it was to open and shut the door from outside, especially when exhausted in the dark. She also liked the amount of space within the crib to store blankets, nappies, and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and a good size compared to other cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is an absolute benefit after a long feed!"
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is bedside is that it can be placed right next to the bed of the parent which makes it easy to reach baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It can also help stop the baby from rolling over and suffocating. A high-quality crib should have sides that are easily opened, which makes it easy for parents who are tired at the end of the night, and also a mesh window to keep an eye on your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with its stylish Scandi design and affordable price. It is available in a variety of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to be compatible with divan beds, however, you may need to buy longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use even for the new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than some of the other cribs and doesn't fold flat, but it's adequate to fit into its handy carry bag for travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. She also points out that the fabric may get wrinkled when taken out of the bag to travel.
You could also choose the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside with wheels, making it easier to maneuver. It also folds completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod, but it has several additional features that may be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an additional reflux incline. It also has a zip-up mesh window for easy cleaning and a breathable, sturdy mattress, though some mothers were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other options. It comes with a carry bag that is handy for keeping the mattress dust-free and clean when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib is known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit right next to your bed. It allows you to see and reach your baby throughout the night, which is helpful with night feeds and nappy changes. This makes it a great choice for parents who want to keep their child close but don't want to risk the dangers of bed-sharing (such as suffocation or overheating). It's also a good choice for couples who don't share a room with their child.
There are many different styles to choose from. Some have a side panel that can be lowered to let you feel and touch your baby during the night but still prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some pop-up designs lower so that you lift your baby from the bed, but automatically raise it.
You'll need to take into account the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky, which is important if you have limited space in your home. Others are more robust and larger which is ideal for older babies who might be starting to roll or pull themselves up during the night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some have a removable mattress that can be washed in the machine and comes with a sheet that is easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some models have an anti-reflux feature that could be beneficial to those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and reliable options are those that fasten securely to the bed of your parents, either using straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place when in use. Some cribs also come with adjustable legs to be able to work with different bed heights. This can be helpful if you have an unusually-shaped divan or bed. Other features to think about are a detachable fourth wall, which could be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.