Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
Essentially, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that fixes to your bed and lets you access your baby for night feedings or to bring them back to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from c-section births.
Our testers from our parent group have praised the SnuzPod 4 for its numerous technical features. These include a reflux incline and soothing centre, with an amber nightlight, as well as floorlights with two vibration levels. It's also lightweight and easily moved from room to room.
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 keeps them safe from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits, and ensure that your child's crib is a good fit. It is essential to stay clear of gaps since they could increase the risk of being entangled. This is a serious danger. It is also essential to ensure that the crib is free of any items that could pose an entrapment risk, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Look for a crib with mesh panels on the side that is clear and a mattress that is firm, flat, and ventilated. The slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. best bedside cot for newborn will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib. Many cribs have a built-in changer, shelves for storing wipes and diapers as well as rockers, music, and night lights. These are great features to have, but remember that your baby should stay in their own crib until they're able to sit up or stand at the age of six months, when they can safely sleep elsewhere.
It is also recommended to choose a crib with no corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby because they create spaces in which their limbs and head may get stuck. Take care to remove these posts from your crib to stop your child from getting caught with their toys or clothes. Also, ensure that you keep the crib clear of window blind and drape cords as your baby may get caught in them and fall off or get strangled.
Make sure that the cot is still safe to use even if you're using an old cot. It should not have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and must be solid and well-maintained with no loose parts. It's also important to ensure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, as cots made before 1973 could have lead paint on them, which is harmful to babies.
Easy of Use
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot designed to sit safely beside the bed of a parent, allowing newborns to sleep close by without any of the risks that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a good option for parents who find it difficult to get out of bed in the evening for feedings and comforting, especially if they've had an uneasy birth. They can also double as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more comfortable and safe sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the parent's side by straps. Some come with the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings, so they can be used with different types or beds. Some have mesh sides to improve visibility and airflow, too. Some have a drop-down side which can be removed or lowered to allow access to the baby from the parent's bed that aids with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to promote the natural sleep position that's safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic, and other digestive issues. This should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine liked this crib's size and weight "it is a lot bigger than most Moses baskets and feels strong and sturdy - almost like an investment piece but not too costly to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use particularly its swivel base, saying: "You just spin it around if you need to reach over to check on your baby -- and then when you're ready to sleep, simply pull it again."
She also liked how simple it was to open and close the door, even if she was tired at late at night. She also liked the amount of space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also loved the mattress's comfort and was a good size in comparison to the cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus, the sheets are washable, which is a huge plus when you're exhausted after every meal!".
Portability
A bedside crib could be set right next to the parent's bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child at night to comfort them or feed their baby. It also assists in preventing baby from rolling over, which can often lead to the suffocation. A high-quality crib should have sides that can be open, making it simple for bleary-eyed parents at the end of the night, and a mesh window so you can keep an eye on your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek style and affordable price. It comes in a range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is specifically designed to work with divan beds however, you may require longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline, and the adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate even for tired new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than some of the other crib options and doesn't fold flat, but it's a good size to fit into its handy carry bag for travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she notes that the fabric is susceptible to tearing when removed from its travel bag.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed with wheels, making it easier to maneuver. It folds completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod however, it has some extra features that might make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments and an optional reflux tilt. It also has a zipper-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a durable, breathable mattress, although some mums felt it was a bit shallower than other models. It comes with a carry bag that is handy to keep the mattress clean and dust-free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib can also be called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit close to your bed. It lets you view your baby and reach them during the night. This is helpful to feed your baby at night and change the diapers. This is ideal for parents who want to keep their child close but don't want to risk the dangers of sharing a room with a child (such as overheating or suffocation). It's also a good option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of designs available. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be lowered, which lets you see and touch your baby throughout the night, but it also prevents accidental bed-sharing. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you to lift your baby off the bed, but then automatically raise again.
You'll have to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact, which is important if you have limited space in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is great for older children who may be starting to roll over or pull themselves up at night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, with mesh windows and breathable fabric which can aid in ventilation. Some have a removable mattress that is machine-washable and fitted with a sheet that makes it easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux option that can be helpful for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and reliable choices are those that secure securely to the bed of your parents with straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is helpful if you have an unusually shaped bed or a divan. Other features you could look at include a detachable 4th wall, which can be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as a removable changing tray.