Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style crib that is attached to your bed. It allows you to reach your baby's mouth to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from births via c-section.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, with many technical features for parents who are busy, including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a calm centre with amber light for the night and floor with 2 vibration levels. It is also light and can be moved easily from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep with you at night in their crib. This helps to protect them from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits, and to ensure that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. It is essential to avoid gaps as they can increase the risk of getting trapped. This poses a serious danger. It is also essential to keep blankets, pillows, and toys away from the crib.
Choose a crib that has mesh sides that you can see your child through, and a sturdy and breathable, flat mattress. The slats should be spaced no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your child is unable to climb out of the crib or reach their head over the footboard. Many models also feature an integrated changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, lighting for night and music. These are all wonderful features however, your baby should remain in the crib until they are able to stand or sit up. This is usually around 6 months.
It's also important to choose a crib that doesn't have corner posts as they can be dangerous to your baby's health by creating areas where their head or limbs could get trapped. If you have a crib with corner posts, think about removing them to avoid your child becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Keep the crib clear of drape cords, as your child could get caught and fall or strangle.
If you're using a second-hand cot, make sure it's safe to use. It must be in good shape and sturdy, without loose pieces. It should also not have rough surfaces or holes. It is also essential to make sure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, as older cots may have paint that has leaded on them, which can be toxic for babies.
Ease of Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot designed to sit safely beside the parent's bed and allow newborns to sleep close to the parent without any of the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). It's a great choice for parents who find it difficult to get up in the evening for feedings and comforting, particularly in the event of a difficult birth. Some are also used as a Moses Basket or a baby carrycot to give infants an easier and safer sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the parent's side using straps. Some come with the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings so they can be used with various types or beds. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides that improve the visibility and airflow. Some models have a side that can be moved up or down to give parents the ability to see their baby. This is helpful for nighttime feedings and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to create an easier and more natural sleeping position that is safe for babies suffering from reflux, colic and other digestive issues. This should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional and extreme caution.
MFM home tester Jasmine liked the size of the crib and said "it's a lot bigger than most Moses baskets, and it feels solid and sturdy It's almost like an investment piece, but not so expensive that it's impossible to afford." She also liked how easy it was to use, particularly its pivoting base, stating: "You can just spin it around to reach over in case you need to check on your babyand then when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it up."
She also liked how simple it was for her to open and close the door, even if she was bleary-eyed at the end of the night. She also appreciated the amount of space was there in the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. what is it worth liked how the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size when compared to other bedside cribs we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is a major bonus after a long feed!"
Portability
One of the great things about a bedside crib is that it can be positioned right next to the bed of the parent, making it easy to reach baby during the night to nurse or comfort. It can also help stop the baby from rolling over and becoming suffocated. A high-quality crib should have sides that are open, making it simple for bleary-eyed parents during the night, as well as a mesh window to monitor your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek design and low cost. It comes in a range of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect and is specifically designed to be compatible with divan beds, however, you may require longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. Its opening side panel with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all easy to operate, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs, and it isn't able to fold flat. However, it's still a good enough size to fit in its convenient bag for transport when traveling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she notes that the fabric is prone to tearing when pulled out of its bag to travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib that has wheels, making it easier to maneuver. It folds completely flat. It's more expensive than the SnuzPod, but it has additional features that could be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments and an optional reflux incline. It comes with a mesh window that zips up for simple cleaning, and a solid mattress that is breathable. Some moms considered it to be a bit shallower, though. It comes with a carrying bag that is useful to keep the mattress dust-free and clean in storage.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper, is made to fit by your bed. It allows you to see and reach your baby at night, which is helpful with feedings at night and nappy changes. This makes it a great choice for parents who want to keep their baby close, but don't want to risk the dangers of bed-sharing (such as suffocation or overheating). It's also a great option for couples who do not share bedrooms with their child.
There are many different styles available. Some come with a side panel that is able to be lowered, which lets you feel and touch your baby during the night but still prevents accidental bed-sharing. Others come with a pop-up style that lowers to allow you to take your baby out of the crib and then raises automatically.
You'll have to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which could be important if space limited in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies who might be starting to roll over or slouch at night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, with breathable fabric and mesh windows that can help with ventilation. Some have a removable mattress that is machine-washable and fitted with a sheet, which is easier to keep clean than the standard crib mattress. Some models have an anti-reflux feature which can be beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
Safest and most convenient cribs can be attached securely to the bed of the parents using straps or a locking mechanism that secures it when not in use. Some cribs also come with adjustable legs that accommodate different bed heights, which could be useful in the case of a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. You might also consider a crib with a removable 4th wall that can be used as playpen or a babysitter during the daytime.