Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your bed and lets you access your baby for night feedings or to calm them to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, which comes with numerous technical features that are ideal for busy new parents including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a calm centre with amber light for the night and floor with 2 vibration levels. It is also light and can be moved easily from one room to another.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) lets your baby rest with you at night but in their own crib, which keeps them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits, and to ensure that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. If gaps exist, it may increase the risk of getting trapped, which is a danger. It's also important to keep the crib clear of items that can present an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Find a crib with an open side panel that you can see your child through and a firm, flat, breathable mattress. The slats must be no larger 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. Some cribs also have an integrated changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, lighting for night and music. These are all wonderful features, but your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to stand or sit up. This is usually about 6 months old.
It's also important to pick a crib that doesn't have corner posts as they can pose a danger to your baby's safety because they create spaces where their head or limbs could get trapped. If you have a crib that contains corner posts, think about removing them to avoid your child becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Keep the crib away form window blind cords and drape cords, as your child might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
Make sure that the cot is still safe for use if you're using a cot that is used. It should be in good working order and sturdy, without loose pieces. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes. It's also important to ensure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, since older cots may have paint that has leaded on them, which is harmful to babies.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib, also known as a cot or bassinet, is designed to be set on top of the parent's mattress. This allows newborns to sleep near their parents without the risk of co-sleeping. They are a great choice for parents who have a hard time getting out of the bed to feed their child or to comfort them during the night, particularly after a difficult birth. They can also serve as a Moses Basket or a baby carrycot to give infants a more flexible and secure sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the the parent's bed with straps that secure them, and some include an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings that can be used with different types of beds. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides that improve the visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down feature that can be lowered or removed to allow direct access to the baby's bed from the parent's and helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to create a more natural sleeping position that is safer for babies with 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 crib's size and weight "it is a lot bigger than other Moses baskets and feels solid and sturdy - almost like an investment piece, but not so expensive as to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use, especially its swivel bottom and said: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to look over your babyand then, when you want go back to sleep, you simply pull it again."
Another thing she was impressed with was the ease with which it was to shut and open the door from the outside, particularly when she was exhausted in the dark. She also appreciated the amount of space was there in the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress felt comfy and was a decent size in comparison to other bedside cribs we've tried. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is an important benefit when you're exhausted after every feed!".
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is bedside is it can be set near the parent's own bed which makes it easy to reach the baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It also prevents baby from rolling over, which could sometimes cause suffocation. A good quality crib should have sides that can be easily accessible, making it easy for parents who are tired during the night, and a mesh window that lets you monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek Scandi design and affordable price. It is available in a range of colors including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is designed to fit divan beds. However, you may require longer straps in order to match your mattress. Its opening side panel as well as the anti-reflux incline, and the adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than some of the other cribs and doesn't fold flat, but it's an ideal size to fit into its handy carry bag to travel with. Mom on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's a breeze to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple mechanisms. She does point out that the fabric could get wrinkled when pulled out of the bag to travel.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib with wheels that means it's more maneuverable and folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod however, it has several additional features that may appeal, including a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an additional reflux tilt. It also has a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a breathable, sturdy mattress, though some mothers felt it was a bit shallower than other options. It comes with a carrying bag that is handy for keeping the mattress dust-free and clean when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib is also called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed right next to your bed. It lets you see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. large bedside crib is helpful to feed your baby at night and change the diapers. This makes it ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby close, but don't want the dangers of bed-sharing (such as overheating or suffocation). It is also a good option for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are many different styles available. Some come with an upper and lower panel that is able to be lowered to let you see and touch your baby at night, but it also prevents accidental bed-sharing. Others come with a pop-up style that lowers to allow you to raise your baby but then raises automatically.
It is also important to consider the dimensions of your bed as well as how wide or narrow you want your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky which is essential if you have limited space in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is perfect for older babies who might be beginning to roll over or slouch at night.
Pick a crib that is breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine-washable and is fitted with a sheet that makes it easier to clean than a standard cot mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline feature, which can be useful for reflux sufferers.
Most secure and convenient cribs are those that can be attached securely to the parents' bed, either with straps or a locking system that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can work with a range of different bed heights, which is useful in the case of a divan or another unusually-shaped bed. Other features you might consider include a detachable 4th wall that can be used as an infant sitter or play pen during the day, as well as an adjustable changing tray.