Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that fixes to your bed and allows you to reach your baby for night feedings or to calm them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from births via c-section.
Our parents have praised the SnuzPod 4 for its many features. These include an incline for reflux and a soothing center, with an amber nightlight and floor lamps that have two levels of vibration. It's also light and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) allows your infant to rest with you at night but in their own crib, which keeps them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and make sure that your child's bed is snugly fitted. It is essential to stay clear of gaps since they could increase the risk of being entangled. This poses a serious hazard. It is also essential to keep the crib clear of objects that could create an entrapment risk, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Choose a crib that has a mesh side panel which your child can see through, as well as a firm air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats should be placed not more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard so your baby isn't able to get out of the crib or reach their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers as well as rockers, music, and night lights. These are great features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should stay in their crib until they're able stand or sit up at around 6 months old, at which point they can safely sleep elsewhere.
It is also recommended to choose a crib with no corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby since they create spaces where their head and limbs could be caught. If you have a crib with these, consider removing them to prevent your baby from getting caught in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib clear of drape cords as your baby may become entangled and fall or strangle.
If you're using an old cot, make sure it's safe to use. It should not have any rough surfaces, holes or peeling paint and should be solid and in good condition with no loose parts. It is also important to check that the cot was stripped down and repainted. Cots made before 1973 may have contained leaded paint, which could be dangerous for infants.
Ease of Use
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot that is designed to be a safe place beside the parent's bed and let babies sleep close by without any of the risks that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are an excellent option for parents who have a hard to get out of the bed to feed their infant or to comfort them during the night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also double as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more comfortable and safe sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed using straps that are secure, and some include a swivel base and adjustable height settings to work with various types of beds. Many have mesh sides to increase visibility and airflow, too. Some have a drop-down side that lowers or removes to allow access to the baby from the parent's bed, which helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to create an easier and more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic or other digestive issues. This should only be done with the supervision of a medical professional and extreme caution.
MFM home tester Jasmine liked the size of the crib - "it's much larger than most Moses baskets, and it feels sturdy and solid it's a bit like an investment piece but not so costly that it's impossible to afford." She also liked how easy it was to use, particularly its swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach over when you want to check on baby- and when you want to go back to sleep, you simply pull it up."
She also liked how easy it was to shut and open the door, even if she was tired at late at night. She also liked the amount of space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other essentials. She also appreciated how the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size in comparison to other cribs that we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is an important benefit after a long feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib could be set right next to a parent's bed. This makes it easy for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort or feed their baby. It also prevents baby from rolling over, which can often lead to the suffocation. A high-quality crib should have sides that are open, making it easy for parents with a bleary eye in the middle of the night, and also a mesh window to monitor your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek design and affordable price. It comes 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 match your mattress. Its opening side panel with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate even for tired new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than some of the other cribs and doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's a good size to fit into its handy bag for transport. Mum in the BabyCentre forums noted that it was simple to set up with its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. However, she points out that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when it's being taken out of its bag for travel.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels, making it more maneuverable and folds completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, like a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and an option to reflux inclined. It has a mesh window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a durable mattress that is breathable. Some mums considered it to be a bit shallower, though. It comes with a carry bag that is handy for keeping the mattress dust-free and clean when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper, is designed to fit by your bed. It lets you see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is useful for night feedings and changing diapers. It is ideal for parents who wish to keep their children close but do not want to risk suffocation or overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of different styles you can choose from. Some come with a side panel that can be adjusted to let you see and touch your baby throughout the night, but also stops accidental bed-sharing. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to let you raise your baby, but then raises again automatically.
You'll have to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact and are ideal in case you are restricted by space in your home. Some are larger and more durable, which is perfect for older babies that may be beginning to roll over or get up at night.
co sleeper bedside cot that is breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned surfaces. Some have a removable mattress that is machine washable and is fitted with a sheet, which is easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some models have an anti-reflux feature which can be beneficial for reflux sufferers.
Most secure and convenient cribs are those that can be secured to the parents' bed, either with straps or a locking system that holds it in place even when it is not in use. Some cribs also come with adjustable legs that can work with a range of different bed heights, which can be helpful if you have an unusually-shaped divan or bed. You may also think about a crib that has an adjustable 4th wall that can be used as a playpen or as a babysitter during the day.