Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to your bed. It lets you reach your baby's mouth to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which has many technical features for busy new parents including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a the soothing centre that has an amber nightlight and floorlight with 2 vibration levels. It's also lightweight and is able to be easily moved from one room to another.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet for babies or a co-sleeper) allows your child to 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). It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits and that your child's mattress fits snugly. If gaps exist, it may increase the risk of entrapment, which is another serious hazard. It is also important to keep pillows, blankets and toys out of the crib.
Choose a crib that has mesh sides that which your child can see through and a firm air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats must be spaced no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard to ensure that your baby isn't able to leave the crib or raise their head over the footboard. Many cribs have a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers aswell as rockers, music, and night lights. These are all wonderful features however, your baby should remain in the crib until they can 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 these can be dangerous to your baby's health by creating spaces where their head or limbs could be entangled. 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, be sure to keep the crib away from drapery cords and window blinds because your child could get caught in them and fall off or get strangled.
Verify that the cot still safe to use if you're using an old cot. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and must be solid and in good condition with no loose parts. It's also important to make sure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, as the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have leaded paint on them, which is toxic for babies.
Easy to Use
large bedside crib , also referred to as a bassinet or cot, is designed to be placed on top of the parent's mattress. This lets babies rest with their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. These are a great option for parents who have a hard time getting out of the bed to feed their infant or to comfort them during the night, especially after a difficult delivery. They can also double as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide secure and flexible sleeping arrangements away from the crib.
Bedside cribs fasten securely to the the parent's bed using straps that secure them, and some include the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings to fit different types of beds. Some have mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility, too. Some have a drop-down side which can be removed or lowered to allow direct access to the baby from the parent's bed that aids with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to promote the natural sleep position that's safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic and other digestive issues. However it is recommended to use this method with extreme care and only under the advice of a medical professional.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib - "it is much larger than most Moses baskets and feels strong and sturdy - almost like an investment piece, but not so expensive as to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience particularly its swivel base, saying: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to check on your baby -- and then when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it again."
Another thing she appreciated was how easy it was to open and close the door from 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 essentials. She also loved that the mattress was comfortable and was a good size in comparison to some of the other cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is an absolute benefit after a long feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be placed right next to the parent's bed. This makes it simple for parents to reach their child at night to comfort or feed their baby. It can also help prevent the baby from rolling over and becoming suffocated. A good quality crib should have sides that can be easily accessible, making it easy for parents who are tired during the night, as well as a mesh window to monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek design and low cost. It is available in a range of colors including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is made to fit divan beds. However, you might require longer straps in order to fit your mattress. Its opening side panel as well as the anti-reflux incline, and the adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's a little heavier than other cribs and doesn't fold flat, but it's a good size to fit into its convenient carry bag to travel with. The mother on the BabyCentre forums commented that it was simple to set up thanks to its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. She also points out that the fabric could get wrinkled when taken out of the bag to travel.
You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed with wheels, making it much easier to move. It folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod, but it has several additional features that may make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments and an optional reflux tilt. It also has a zipper-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a durable, breathable mattress, though some mothers were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other options. It comes with a carry bag, which is useful to keep it dust-free and clean in storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib is also called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed close to your bed. It allows you to be able to see and touch your baby at night, which is helpful with feedings at night and changing nappy. This makes it ideal for parents who want to keep their baby close but don't want the dangers of bed-sharing (such as overheating or suffocation). It is also a good option for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are a number of different styles to choose from. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be lowered to let you feel and touch your baby during the night but still prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some pop-up designs lower so that you lift your baby from the bed, but then automatically raise again.
You'll have to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which could be crucial if space is restricted in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is perfect for older babies who might be beginning to roll over or get up at night.
Pick a crib that is breathable fabric, mesh windows and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine-washable and comes with a sheet that is easier to clean than a standard mattress for a cot. Some have an anti-reflux incline option which can be useful for those suffering from reflux.
The safest and most practical alternatives are those that attach securely to the bed of your parents by straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place when in use. Some cribs also come with adjustable legs to be able to work with different bed heights. This is useful if you have a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. You might also consider a crib with an adjustable 4th wall that can be used as an activity area or babysitter during the day.