Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
Essentially, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that fixes to your bed and lets you be close to your baby during night feedings or to bring them back to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from births via c-section.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which comes with many technical features for busy new parents including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a soothing centre with amber light for the night and floor with two vibration levels. It's also lightweight and can be moved easily from one room to another.
Safety
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep with you at night in their crib. This protects them from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits and ensure that your child's mattress fits snugly. If there are gaps they could increase the risk of being entangled, which is a serious hazard. It is also important to keep pillows, blankets and toys from the crib.
Find cribs that have an open side panel that which your child can see through and a firm air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats should be placed no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard to ensure that your baby cannot climb out of the crib or put 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 wonderful features to have, but remember that your baby should stay in their own crib until they are able to stand or sit, around 6 months, when they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to choose a crib without corner posts, as these can be dangerous to your baby by creating spaces in which their limbs or head could be entangled. If you have a crib with these, you should consider taking them out to avoid your child becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Also, make sure to keep the crib free of window blind and drape cords as your baby may get caught in them and fall or be strangled.
If you're using an old cot, check that it's still safe to use. It should be in good condition and sturdy, without loose pieces. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes. bedside rocking crib is also crucial to ensure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, since older cots may have leaded paint on them, which can be poisonous for infants.
Easy of Use
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or cot is designed to be positioned next to a parent's mattress. This lets babies rest with their parents without the risk of co-sleeping. They're a great option for parents who struggle to get up at night for feeds and comforting, particularly when they've had a difficult birth. Some are also used as an infant Moses Basket or infant carrycot to offer a more flexible and secure sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side by a strap. Some have an adjustable swivel and swivel settings, so they can be used with different types of beds. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down feature that can be lowered or removed to allow access to the baby's bed from the parent's, which helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, which can encourage the most natural sleeping position for babies with reflux or colic. However, this should be used with extreme caution and only with the advice of a medical professional.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib - "it is much larger than other Moses baskets and feels strong and rugged - a little like an investment piece but not too expensive to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience and its swivel bottom she said: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to look over your baby- and then when you're ready to go back to sleep, you just pull it back."
Another thing she liked was how easy it was to open and close the door from outside, particularly when she was bleary-eyed in the dark. She also appreciated the amount of space there was in the crib to store blankets, nappies and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress felt comfy and was a decent size when compared to other cribs that 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 placed right next to the parent's bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort or breastfeed. It also helps prevent the baby from falling over and suffocating. A high-quality crib must have sides that are open, making it easy for parents with a bleary eye at the end of the night, and a mesh window to keep an eye on your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek design in Scandi and a reasonable price. It comes in a range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to work with divan beds however you might need to buy longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all easy to operate even for tired new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than other crib options and doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's still a good size to fit into its handy carry bag for travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says that it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. However, she notes that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when removed from its travel bag.
You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside with wheels, making it much easier to move. It folds completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod however it comes with several additional features that may appeal, including a storage shelf, six height adjustments and an optional reflux incline. It also has a mesh-lined window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a solid mattress with breathable air. Some moms found it a bit deeper, however. 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 is called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit next to your bed. It lets you be able to see and touch your baby throughout the night, which is helpful with night feeds and nappy changes. This is ideal for parents who want to keep their baby close but don't want to risk the dangers of sharing a bed (such as overheating or suffocation). It's also a great choice for couples who do not share bedrooms with their child.
There are many different styles available. Some models feature a side panel which can be lowered. This allows you to see and touch your child throughout the night, but also prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to let you take your baby out of the crib and then raises automatically.
You'll need to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and compact, which is important if you have limited space in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is great for older children who may be starting to roll over or slouch in the night.
Choose a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that can help with ventilation. Some have a removable mattress that is machine-washable and fitted with a sheet that is easier to keep clean than the standard cot mattress. Some also have an anti-reflux incline option, which is beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
Most secure and convenient cribs can be securely attached to the bed of the parents by straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place while not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is helpful if you have an unusually designed bed or divan. Other features you might look at include a detachable 4th wall, which can be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, and a removable changing tray.