Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
Essentially, a bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your bed and lets you be close to your baby during night feedings or to calm them back to sleep. These are especially useful for mothers recovering from c section births.
Our parents have praised the SnuzPod 4 for its many features. It has an incline for reflux and a soothing center, with an amber nightlight and floor lamps that have two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or baby bassinet) allows your child to rest with you at night, but in their own crib, thereby keeping them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits, and ensure that your child's bed fits snugly. If gaps exist this could increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a risk that is serious. It is also important to keep pillows, blankets and toys out of the crib.
Search for a crib with a mesh panel on the side that is clear, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat, and ventilated. The slats should be spaced not more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby isn't able to leave the crib or put their head over the footboard. Some cribs also have a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, night lights and music. These are fantastic features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should remain in their own crib until they're able to sit up or stand at around 6 months old, at which point they can safely sleep elsewhere.
It is also recommended to choose a crib without corner posts. These can be dangerous for your baby since they create spaces where their head and limbs could be stuck. If you have a crib with these, consider removing them to avoid your child becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib free of drape cords as your baby might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
Check that the cot is still safe for use even if you're using an old cot. It should not have rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint, and it should be solid and in good condition with no loose components. travel cot bedside is also essential to verify that the cot was stripped down and repainted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 could have had lead paint, which can be toxic for babies.
Ease of Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot designed to sit safely beside a parent's bed and allow newborns to rest close to their parents without any of the risks that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a great option for parents who are struggling to get out of bed to feed their children and comforting, especially in the event of a difficult birth. Some can also be used as an infant Moses Basket or infant carrycot to offer a more flexible and safe sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side by straps. Some come with an adjustable swivel and swivel settings so they can be used with various types of beds. Some have mesh sides to improve visibility and airflow, too. Some have a drop-down feature that lowers or removes to allow direct access to the baby from the parent's bed and helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to create an easier and more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic or other digestive issues. However, this should be used with extreme care and only with the advice of a health professional.
MFM home test Jasmine liked this crib's size - "it is much larger than most Moses baskets and feels sturdy and robust - it's like an investment piece, but not too expensive to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its ease of use and its swivel bottom, saying: "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 again."
She also appreciated how easy it was to open and close the door, even if she was exhausted at night. She also enjoyed how much space there was inside the crib for stashing blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also loved that the mattress was comfortable and spacious compared to the other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is a major bonus when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it can be placed close to the parents' bed which makes it easy to reach baby during the night for feeding or to comfort. It also helps prevent baby falling over, which can often lead to death. A good quality crib should have sides that can be open, making it easy for parents who are tired in the middle of the night, as well as a mesh window so you can keep an eye on your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with its sleek design in Scandi and great price tag. It is available in a range of colors including gender-neutral gray and wood effect. It is specifically designed to fit divan beds. However, you may require longer straps to fit your mattress. The opening side panel 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 heavier than other cribs and does not fold completely flat. However, it is still large enough to fit in its convenient bag for travel. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says it's easy to set up, with clear instructions and simple controls. However, she points out that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when it's being pulled out of its bag for travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed equipped with wheels, which makes it much easier to move. It can also fold completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, including a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It also has a mesh-lined window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a solid mattress with breathable air. Some moms thought it was a little shallower, though. It comes with a bag for carrying which is great to keep it clean and dust-free in storage between uses.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is designed to fit by your bed. It lets you view your baby's progress and be able to reach them during the night. This is useful for feeding at night and changing the nappy. This is ideal for parents who want to keep their child close but don't want to take on the dangers of sharing a bed (such as overheating or suffocation). It's also a great choice for couples who do not share bedrooms with their child.
There are a variety of different styles you can choose from. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be lowered, which lets you see and touch your baby during the night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to allow you to raise your baby and then raises automatically.
You'll need to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some are more slim and compact than others, which can be crucial if space is restricted in your home. Some are stronger and larger which is ideal for older children who may be starting to roll or pull themselves up during the night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric which can aid in ventilation. Some cribs have a mattress that can be washed in the machine and comes with a sheet, which is easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some come with an anti-reflux option that could be beneficial to those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and safest are cribs that can be attached securely to the bed of the parents, either with straps or a locking system that keeps it in place when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is a great option for those with an unusually shape bed or a divan. You might also consider a crib with an adjustable 4th wall that can be used for an activity area or babysitter during the day.