Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet type crib that is attached to your bed. It allows you to reach your baby's mouth to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which comes with numerous technical features that are ideal for parents with busy schedules, including an incline setting for reflux and a calm centre with amber light for the night and floor with two vibration levels. It is also light and easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) allows your child to sleep with you at night, but in their own crib, keeping them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits and ensure that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. It is essential to avoid gaps as they increase the chance of being entangled. This is a major danger. It is also crucial to keep blankets, pillows and toys from the crib.
Find a crib that has a mesh panel on one side that is clear and a mattress that is firm, flat, and airy. The slats must be no larger than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard must not be higher than the footboard. This will prevent your baby from getting out of the crib. A lot of cribs have an integrated changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers lighting for night and music. These are fantastic features to have but remember that your baby should stay in their own crib until they're able to sit up or stand at the age of 6 months, when they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to choose a crib without corner posts, as these could pose a risk to your baby's health because they create spaces where their limbs or heads might be trapped. If you have a crib that has these, consider removing them to stop your baby from getting caught in their clothes or toys. Also, make sure to keep the crib free of drape and window blind cords, as your baby could get caught in them and fall off or get strangled.
Check that the cot is still safe for use if you're using a used cot. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and should be solid and in good condition with no loose components. It is also essential to ensure whether the cot has been stripped down and painted. Cots made before 1973 may have had leaded paint, which could be harmful to babies.
Easy to Use
Bedside cribs are cot or bassinet that is designed to be a safe place beside the bed of a parent, allowing newborns to sleep close to the parent without any of the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). It's a great choice for parents who are struggling to get out of bed to feed their children and comforting, especially if they've had an uneasy birth. Some are also used as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide an easier and safer sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the the parent's bed by straps that are secure and some come with a swivel base and adjustable height settings to fit various types of beds. Many come with mesh sides to improve visibility and airflow, too. Some models come with an option to have the side lower or removed to allow parents direct access to their child. This is useful to feed your baby at night and is a great comforter.
Some cribs are tiltable at one end, allowing a more natural sleep position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However it is recommended to use this method with extreme care and only with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size and weight "it is a lot bigger than other Moses baskets and feels solid and sturdy - almost like an investment piece but not too costly to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its ease of use, especially its swivel bottom and said: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to check on your baby -and when you're ready to go back to sleep, you just pull it again."
She also liked how easy it was to shut and open the door, even if she was tired at the end of the night. She also liked the amount of space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies and other essentials. She also liked how the mattress was comfy and was a decent size compared to other bedside cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is an absolute benefit when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib could be set right beside the bed of a parent. This makes it simple for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort them or feed their baby. It also helps prevent baby rolling over, which can occasionally lead to death. A high-quality crib should have sides that are open, making it simple for bleary-eyed parents in the middle of the night, and also a mesh window that lets you monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek Scandi design and affordable price. It is available in a variety of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect and is specifically designed to be compatible with divan beds, although you may require a longer strap to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use even for parents who are new.
It's a bit larger than other cribs, and does not fold completely flat. But it's nevertheless a decent size to fit in its convenient bag for transport when traveling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's easy to set up, with clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she points out that the fabric is susceptible to tearing when pulled out of its bag to travel.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels that means it's more manageable, and it folds down completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod however, it has additional features that could be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an additional reflux incline. It comes with a mesh window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a durable mattress with breathable air. Some mothers thought it was a little smaller, but. bedside crib travel comes with a carry bag which is great for keeping it dust-free and clean during storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper, is made to be placed near 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 diapers. This is ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby close but don't want to take on the dangers of sharing a bed (such as suffocation or overheating). It's also a great option for couples who don't share a room with their child.
There are many different styles to choose from. Some models have an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted to lower. This lets you feel and see your child at night, but it also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to allow you to lift your baby out, but then raises again automatically.
You'll need to take into account the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which can be important if space restricted in your home. Others are sturdier and bigger which is ideal for older babies who could be starting to roll or get up at night.
Pick a crib that is mesh windows, breathable fabric and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs come with an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and fitted with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than the regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux option that can be helpful for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and reliable options are those that fasten securely to the parents' bed with straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs to work with a range of different bed heights, which can be helpful for those with a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. Other features to think about are a detachable fourth wall that can be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as a removable changing tray.