Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to your bed and allows you to access your baby for meals at night or to calm them back to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from births via c-section.
Our parents have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many features. These include an incline of reflux and a relaxing centre, with an amber nightlight, as well as floorlights with two vibration levels. It is also lightweight and is able to be easily moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep next to you at night in their own crib. This protects them from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits and make sure that the crib is snugly fitted. If gaps exist this could increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a risk that is serious. It is also crucial to keep pillows, blankets and toys out of the crib.
Search for a crib with mesh panels on the side that is clear, and a firm mattress that is flat, firm, and airy. The slats should be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will prevent your baby from getting out of the crib. Some cribs also have a built-in changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers, night lights and music. These are all wonderful features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they can sit up or stand. This usually occurs about 6 months old.
It's also essential to select a crib that does not have corner posts, since they can be dangerous to your baby's safety by creating spaces where their head or limbs might be trapped. You should consider removing these posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothing. Keep the crib away form drape cords as your baby may become entangled and fall or strangle.
If you're using a second-hand cot, check that it is still safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint, and it should be sturdy and in good condition with no loose components. It is also crucial to ensure that the cot was taken down and painted. Cots made before 1973 could have had lead paint, which can be toxic for babies.
Simple to Use
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cot or bassinet, is designed to be set on top of the parent's mattress. This allows newborns to sleep with their parents, without the dangers of co-sleeping. It's a great choice for parents who struggle to get out of bed to feed their children and comforting, especially when they've had an uneasy birth. They can also be used as a Moses Basket or a baby carrycot to give infants an easier and safer sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side with straps. Some have the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings, which means they can be used with various types of beds. Many have mesh sides for improved visibility and airflow, too. Some models come with sides that can be moved up or down to give parents direct access to their child. This is useful for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs are tiltable at one end, allowing the most natural sleeping position for babies with reflux or colic. This should only be done with the guidance of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the size of the crib and said "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 appreciated the ease of use, particularly the base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach across in case you need to check on your babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it up."
Another thing she was impressed with was how easy it was to open and shut the door from the outside, particularly when she was you're tired and drowsy in the darkness. She also appreciated the space there was within the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size compared to other cribs for bedside we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - an absolute benefit after a long feed!"
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it can be placed near the parents' bed, making it easy to reach the baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It can also help stop the baby from falling over and becoming suffocated. A high-quality crib should have sides that are easily accessible, making it easy for parents who are tired during the night, and a mesh window to keep an eye on your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek design in Scandi and great price tag. It is available in a variety of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect and is designed to be compatible with divan beds, however you might need to buy longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens and the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use even for parents who are new.
It's a little heavier than some of the other cribs and it's not able to fold completely flat, but it's still an ideal size to fit in its handy carry bag for travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple mechanisms. She does point out that the fabric could be stretched when taken out of the bag for travel.
You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed that has wheels, making it more maneuverable. It folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but it has a few extra features, like an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and an option to reflux inclined. It also has a zip-up mesh window for easy cleaning and a durable, breathable mattress, but some moms were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other options. It comes with a carrying bag that is ideal to keep the mattress clean and dust free when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper, is made to be placed beside your bed. It lets you see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is beneficial for feeding at night and changing the nappy. It is ideal for parents that want to keep their babies close, but do not want to risk drowning or overheating. It's also a great choice for couples who don't share bedrooms with their child.
There are many different styles to choose from. Some come with a side panel that is able to be lowered so that you can be able to touch and see your baby at night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Others come with a pop-up style that lowers to let you lift your baby out and then raises automatically.
You'll need to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. bedside crib that turns into cot are smaller and less bulky, which is important in case you are restricted by space in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal 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, and has breathable fabric and mesh windows that allow for ventilation. Some have a removable mattress that is machine washable and fitted with a sheet that makes it easier to clean than the typical cot mattress. Some models have an anti-reflux feature which can be beneficial for reflux sufferers.
The safest and most practical choices are those that secure securely to the parents' bed with straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place even when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can accommodate different bed heights, which could be useful in the case of an unusually-shaped divan or bed. You may also think about a crib with a removable 4th wall that could be used as an activity area or babysitter during the day.