Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet type cot that attaches to your bed. It allows you to reach your baby to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from births via c-section.
Our parent testers have praise for the SnuzPod 4 because of its many features. It has an incline of reflux and a relaxing centre, with an amber nightlight and floorlights with two vibration levels. bedside sleeper cot is also lightweight and easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet for babies or a co-sleeper) lets your baby 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). It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits, and to ensure that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. It is essential to stay clear of gaps since they can increase the risk of entrapment. This is a serious danger. It is also crucial to keep pillows, blankets and toys out of the crib.
Choose cribs that have an open side panel that which your child can see through, and a sturdy, flat, breathable mattress. The slats should be no larger than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard must not be higher than the footboard. This will keep your baby from climbing out of the crib. Some cribs also have a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers lighting for night and music. These are wonderful features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should stay in their crib until they are able to stand or sit up at around 6 months, when they can safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to pick a crib that does not have corner posts, as these could pose a risk to your baby's safety by creating 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 getting caught in their clothes or toys. Also, be sure to keep the crib away from drapery cords and window blinds because your child could get caught in them and fall off or get strangled.
If you're using a second-hand cot, check that it's still safe to use. It should be in good working order and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It should not have rough surfaces or holes. It is also important to verify whether the cot has been stripped down and painted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 could have had lead paint, which can be toxic for babies.
Ease of Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot that is designed to be a safe place beside the bed of a parent and let babies rest close to their parents without the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a good option for parents who find it difficult to get up at night for feeds and comforting, particularly if they've had a difficult birth. They can also be used as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the side of the parent's bed using straps that are secure and some have an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to fit different beds. Many come with mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility, too. Some models have sides that can be moved up or down to give parents direct access to their baby. This is beneficial for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, which can encourage a more natural sleep position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This is only done under the supervision of a medical professional and extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib - "it is a lot larger than most Moses baskets and feels solid and robust - it's like an investment piece but not too expensive to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its ease of use particularly its swivel base, saying: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to look over your baby- and then when you want go back to sleep, you just pull it again."
She also liked how easy it was to shut and open the door, even if she was exhausted at night. She also liked the space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies, and other essentials. She also appreciated the mattress's comfort and a good size compared to the other cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is a major bonus after a long feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib could be placed right next to a parent's bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child at night to comfort or feed their baby. It also prevents baby from rolling over, which could sometimes cause death. A crib that is of good quality should have sides that can be easily opened, which makes it simple for bleary-eyed parents at the end of the night, as well as a mesh window that lets you monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek design in Scandi and affordable price. It comes in a range of colors including gender neutral gray and wood effect. bedside sleeper cot is specifically designed to fit divan beds. However, you might require longer straps to fit your mattress. Its open side panel with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all easy to operate, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's heavier than some of the other cribs and doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's an ideal size to fit into its handy bag for transport. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. However, she does mention that the fabric can wrinkle when it is pulled out of the travel bag.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels, which makes it easier to manoeuvre, and it folds down 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 different height adjustments, and an additional reflux tilt. It also has a zipper-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a durable, breathable mattress, although some mums felt it was a bit shallower than other models. It comes with a bag for carrying that is helpful for keeping it clean and dust-free in storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib is also called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit close to your bed. It lets you see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is helpful for night feedings and changing diapers. It is ideal for parents that want to keep their children close, but don't want to risk suffocation or overheating. It is also a good choice for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are many different styles available. Some models feature a side panel which can be lowered. This lets you be able to see and touch your child throughout the night, but prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower so that you to lift your baby off the bed, but automatically raise again.
You'll have to consider 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 and are great for older children who may be starting to roll or get up at night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs come with mattresses that are removable, and can be machine-washed and is fitted with a mattress. This makes it much easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some also have an anti-reflux incline option, which is useful for people suffering from reflux.
Most secure and convenient cribs are those that can be secured to the bed of the parents by straps or a locking system that secures it while not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful if you have an unusually shaped bed or a divan. Other features you might consider include a detachable 4th wall, which could be used as an infant sitter or play pen during the day, as well as an adjustable changing tray.