Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that can be attached to your bed and allows you to access your baby for night feedings or to soothe them back to sleep. They are particularly useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our testers from our parent group have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many features. They include a reflux incline and soothing center, with an amber nightlight as well as floorlights with two vibration levels. It's also light and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or baby bassinet) allows your child to sleep with you at night, but in their own crib, which keeps them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It's important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits and ensure that your child's mattress fits snugly. If there are gaps they could increase the chance of entrapment, which is another danger. It is also essential to keep the crib clear of objects that could create an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Look for a crib with mesh panels on the side that you can see through, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat, and airy. The slats must be spaced no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard so your baby cannot leave the crib or reach their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves to store diapers and wipes as well as rockers, music, and night lights. These are fantastic features to have but remember that your baby must remain in their own crib until they're able to stand or sit, around 6 months, when they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It is also advisable to select a crib without corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby because they create spaces in which their limbs and head could be caught. If you have a crib that contains these, you should consider taking them out to stop your baby from becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Also, make sure to keep the crib away from window blind and drape cords, as your baby could become entangled and fall, or even be strangled.
If you're using an old cot, check that it's still safe to use. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and should be solid and in good condition with no loose parts. It's also important to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, since older cots may have leaded paint on them, which can be toxic for babies.
Easy of Use
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot designed to be placed safely next to a parent's bed and allow newborns to sleep close to the parent without the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They are a great choice for parents who have a difficult time getting out of the bed to feed their infant or to comfort them during the night, particularly after a difficult delivery. Some can also serve as an infant Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide a more flexible and safe sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs fasten securely to the side of the parent's bed with straps that secure them and some come with the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings that can be used with various types of beds. Many have mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down sides that can be lowered or removed for easy access to the baby from the parent's bed and helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs tilt at one end, allowing a more natural sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. This should only be 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 much larger than most Moses baskets and feels sturdy and sturdy - almost like an investment piece but not too expensive to be prohibitive." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use, especially its swivel bottom, saying: "You just spin it around if you need to reach over to check on your baby- and then when you're ready to go back to sleep, simply pull it again."
Another thing she liked was the ease with which it was to shut and open the door from the outside, especially when you're tired and drowsy in the darkness. She also liked the amount of space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also liked how the mattress felt comfortable and was a decent size when compared to other cribs for bedside we've tried. She added: "Plus, the sheets are washable, which is a huge plus in the event that you're exhausted from every feed!".
Portability
A bedside crib could be set right next to the parent's bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort or feed their baby. It also prevents baby from falling over, which can occasionally lead to death. A high-quality crib should have sides that can be easily opened, which makes it simple for bleary-eyed parents in the middle of the night, as well as a mesh window to monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek design and affordable price. It is available in a variety of colours including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is designed to fit divan beds. However, you may need longer straps to fit your mattress. The side panel that opens and the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use, even for new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than some of the other crib options, and it doesn't fold completely flat, but it's a good size to fit into its handy bag for transport. Mum on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's a breeze to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she notes that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when it's being pulled out of its bag for travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside that has wheels, making it easier to maneuver. It folds completely flat. It's a bit 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 comes with a mesh window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a durable mattress that is breathable. Some mothers considered it to be a bit shallower, though. It comes with a carry bag that is useful to keep the mattress dust-free and clean when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is designed to be placed beside your bed. It lets you see your baby's progress and be able to reach them during the night. This is useful for feeding at night and changing the nappy. This is ideal for parents who wish to keep their child close but don't want the dangers of bed-sharing (such as suffocation and overheating). It is also a good choice for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are a number of different styles you can choose from. Some models feature an upper and lower panel that can be removed. This lets you feel and see your child throughout the night, but it also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to allow you to lift your baby out, but then raises again automatically.
You'll also need to consider the dimensions of your bed as well as the width or how narrow you want your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and more compact which is essential in case you are restricted by space in your home. Some are larger and more durable, which is great for older babies who might be beginning to roll over or slouch in the night.
Pick a crib that is breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned surfaces. find more have a mattress that is machine-washable and fitted with a sheet, which is easier to clean than the typical mattress for a cot. Some come with an anti-reflux option that can be helpful for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and reliable alternatives are those that attach securely to the parents' bed, either using straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place when not in use. Some cribs also come with adjustable legs that be able to work with different bed heights, which can be helpful in the case of a divan or another unusually-shaped bed. It is also possible to consider the crib with an adjustable 4th wall that can be used as a playpen or as a babysitter during the day.