Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
Essentially, a bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to your bed and lets you be close to your baby during night feedings or to soothe them to sleep. They are especially helpful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which comes with many technical features for parents who are busy, including an incline setting for reflux and a the soothing centre that has an amber nightlight and floorlight with two vibration levels. It's also lightweight and can easily be moved 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, which keeps them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits, and to ensure that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. It is important to keep gaps out of the way as they could increase the risk of being entangled. This is a serious danger. It's also important to clear the crib of items that can present a suffocation hazard, including blankets, pillows and toys.
Find cribs that have mesh sides that which your child can see through and a firm air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats must be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart, and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will keep your child from climbing out of the crib. Many models also feature an integrated changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, music and night lights. These are great features to have but remember that your baby should stay in their own crib until they are able to stand or sit at the age of six months, when they can safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to pick a crib that doesn't have corner posts, as these could pose a risk to your baby's health by creating spaces where their limbs or heads might be trapped. Consider removing these posts from your crib to prevent your child from getting entangled with their toys or clothing. Keep the crib free of window blind cords and drape cords since your baby could get caught and fall or strangle.
If you're using an old cot, ensure that it's still safe to use. It should not have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes, and it should be sturdy and in good condition with no loose components. It's also important to ensure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, as the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have leaded paint on them, which is poisonous for infants.
Ease of Use
Bedside cribs are cot or bassinet designed to be placed safely next to the parent's bed and let babies sleep close by without the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are a great option for parents who have a difficult getting out of the bed to feed their child or soothe them at night, particularly after a difficult birth. They can also double 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 parent's side with straps. Some have a swivel and adjustable height settings, so they can be used with various kinds of beds or types. Some cribs come with mesh sides to improve visibility and airflow. Some models have a side that can be lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their baby. bedside co sleeper cot cots4tots.co.uk is beneficial for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to encourage the natural sleep position that is safer for babies with reflux, colic or other digestive issues. This should only be done with the supervision of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home tester Jasmine liked the size of this crib It's "it's significantly larger than the majority of Moses baskets, and feels sturdy and solid - a bit like an investment piece but not so expensive that it's unaffordable." She also liked how easy it was to use, particularly the base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach it when you want to check on your babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, you can simply pull it up."
Another thing she appreciated was how easy it was to open and close the door from the outside, especially when you're tired and drowsy in the darkness. She also liked the amount of space within the crib to store blankets, nappies, and other essentials. She also liked the mattress's comfort and a good size compared to some of the other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - an absolute benefit when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be placed next to a parent's bed. This makes it easy for parents to reach their child at night to comfort them or feed their baby. It also assists in preventing baby from falling over, which can sometimes cause death. A high-quality crib should have sides that are easily accessible, making it simple for bleary-eyed parents during the night, and a mesh window so you can keep an eye on your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek, modern style and affordable price. It comes in a range of colors including gender-neutral gray and wood effect. It is made to fit divan beds. However, you might need longer straps to fit your mattress. Its side panel that opens, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate even for sleepy new parents.
It's a bit larger than other cribs and does not fold completely flat. But it's still a good enough size to fit into its handy carry bag when travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. She also points out that the fabric can get wrinkled when pulled out of the travel bag.
You could also choose the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed with wheels, making it more maneuverable. It also folds completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, including a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and an option to reflux inclined. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window for easy cleaning and a sturdy, breathable mattress, though some mothers found it a little shallower than other models. It comes with a bag for carrying which is great for keeping it dust-free and clean during storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib is also known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to fit next to your bed. It allows you to see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is beneficial to feed your baby at night and change the diapers. This is 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's also a great option for couples who don't share bedrooms with their child.
There are many different designs available. Some have an upper and lower panel that is able to be lowered so that you can feel and touch your baby during the night, but also stops accidental bed-sharing. Others come with a pop-up style that lowers to let you raise your baby but then raises automatically.
You'll also have to think about the size of your bed and how wide or narrow you want your crib to be. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which may be crucial if space is limited in your home. Some are bigger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies that may be starting to roll over or slouch at night.
Choose a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that allow for ventilation. Some cribs have an adjustable mattress that can be washed in the machine and fitted with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some also have an anti-reflux incline feature, which is useful for reflux sufferers.
Most secure and convenient cribs are those that can be securely attached to the bed of the parents, either with straps or a locking mechanism that secures it even when it is not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs to accommodate different bed heights, which is useful if you have a divan or another unusually-shaped bed. You might also consider a crib with a fourth wall that is removable and can be used as a playpen or as a babysitter during the day.