Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet type cot that attaches to your bed. It lets you reach your baby's side to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep. They are especially helpful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our testers from our parent group have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many technical features. They include a reflux incline and soothing centre, with an amber nightlight and floorlights with two vibration levels. It's also lightweight and easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or baby bassinet) lets your baby sleep close to you at night, but in their own crib, which keeps them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits and make sure that the crib is a good fit. If gaps exist this could increase the chance of being entangled, which is a risk that is serious. It is also essential to keep blankets, pillows, and toys away from the crib.
Look for a crib that has an open side panel that which your child can see through and a firm and breathable, flat mattress. The slats must be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will keep your child from getting out of the crib. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves for storing wipes and diapers as well as rockers, music, and night lights. These are wonderful features to have, but remember that your baby must remain in their own crib until they are able to stand or sit up at the age of six months, when they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to pick a crib that does not have corner posts, as these can be dangerous to your baby's health by creating areas in which their limbs or head could be entangled. Take care to remove the posts from your crib to prevent your child from getting caught with their toys or clothes. Keep the crib clear of drape cords as your baby could get caught and fall or strangle.
Check that the cot is still safe for use if you're using a used cot. It should be in good working order and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It should not have rough surfaces or holes. It is also crucial to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, as older cots may have leaded paint on them, which can be toxic for babies.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cot, is designed to be placed next to a parent's mattress. This allows newborns to sleep near their parents without the risk of co-sleeping. It's a great choice for parents who are struggling to get up at night for feeds and comforting, particularly when they've had an uneasy birth. Some also double up as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more secure and flexible sleeping arrangements away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed by straps that are secure and some come with an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to fit different beds. bedside cot 6 months plus come with mesh sides to improve visibility and airflow, too. Some models come with sides that can be lower or removed to allow parents the ability to see their baby. This is useful for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to promote an easier and more natural sleeping position that is safe for babies suffering from reflux, colic and other digestive issues. However it should be done with extreme care and only under the advice of a health professional.
MFM home tester Jasmine was impressed by the size of the crib It's "it's significantly larger than most Moses baskets, and it feels solid and sturdy it's a bit like an investment piece, but not so costly that it's not affordable." 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 across if you need to check on baby- and when you want to go back to bed you simply pull it up."
She also liked how simple it was for her to shut and open the door, even when she was tired at night. She also liked the amount of space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size compared to other bedside cribs we tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets are washable, which is an important benefit when you're exhausted after every 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 breastfeed. It also helps prevent baby falling over, which can occasionally lead to suffocation. A crib that is of good quality should have sides that can be easily opened, which makes it simple for bleary-eyed parents during the night, and also a mesh window to monitor your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with its sleek design in Scandi and great price tag. It comes in a variety of colors including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is made to fit divan beds. However, you might require longer straps to fit your mattress. The opening side panel, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use even for the new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than some of the other cribs, and it doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's adequate to fit into its handy carry bag to travel with. Moms on the BabyCentre forums commented that it was simple to set up, thanks to its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. She does point out that the fabric may be stretched when taken out of the bag for travel.
You could also choose the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib that has wheels, making it more maneuverable. It can also fold completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but it has a few extra features, including a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It comes with a mesh window that zips up for simple cleaning, and a durable mattress with breathable air. Some moms found it a bit deeper, however. It comes with a bag for carrying which is great to keep it dust-free and clean in storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib can also be known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to fit right next to your bed. It lets you view your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is helpful for feeding at night and changing the diapers. It is ideal for parents who want to keep their babies close, but don't want to risk suffocation or overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are a number of different styles to choose from. Some come with an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted so that you can see and touch your baby at night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some pop-up designs lower so that the baby to be lifted off the bed, and then automatically raise.
You'll need to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which may be important if space is limited in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies who might be beginning to roll over or slouch at night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs come with a removable mattress, which can be washed in the machine and equipped with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option, which can be useful for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and safest are cribs that can be securely attached to the parents' bed by straps or a locking system that keeps it in place even when it is not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful for those with an unusually designed bed or divan. Other features to consider include a detachable 4th wall that can be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as a removable changing tray.