Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
Essentially, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to your bed and allows you to reach your baby for meals at night or to bring them back to sleep. They are especially helpful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our testers from our parent group have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many features. It has a reflux incline and soothing centre, with an amber nightlight as well as floor lamps with two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and easily moved from one room to another.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) allows your baby to sleep near you during the night in their crib. This keeps them safe from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It's important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits, and to ensure that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. It is essential to avoid gaps as they could increase the risk of getting trapped. This poses a serious risk. go now is also important to keep blankets, pillows and toys from the crib.
Search for a crib with mesh panels on the side that is clear, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat and ventilated. The slats must be spaced not more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard so your baby cannot climb out of the crib or raise their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves to store diapers and wipes as well with music, rockers and night lights. These are great features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should remain in their crib until they are able to stand or sit up at around 6 months old, at which point they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It is also recommended to choose a crib with no corner posts. These can be dangerous for your baby since they create spaces where their head and limbs could be stuck. You should consider removing these posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from getting caught with their toys or clothing. Also, ensure that you keep the crib free of window blind and drape cords as your baby may get caught in them and fall or be strangled.
Verify that the cot still safe for use even if you're using a cot that is used. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint, and it should be sturdy and in good condition with no loose components. 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 harmful to babies.
Ease of Use
A bedside crib is a cot or bassinet designed to be placed safely next to 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 out of bed to feed their children and comforting, particularly in the event of a difficult birth. Some can also serve as an infant Moses Basket or a baby carrycot to give infants a more flexible and safe sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs can be secured to the parent's side with straps. Some have an adjustable swivel and swivel settings, which means they can be used with different types of beds. Many cribs have mesh sides to increase visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down feature that can be lowered or removed to allow direct access to the baby from the parent's bed and helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to promote the natural sleep position that is safe for babies with reflux, colic and other digestive issues. This is only done under the guidance of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine liked the size of the crib - "it's much larger than most Moses baskets, and it feels sturdy and solid - a bit like an investment piece, but not so costly that it's unaffordable." She also appreciated how easy it was to use, particularly the pivoting base, stating: "You can just spin it around to reach it when you want to check on baby -- and when you want to go back to sleep, you simply pull it up."
Another thing she was impressed with was how easy it was to shut and open the door from outside, particularly when she was you're tired and drowsy in the darkness. She also appreciated the amount of space was there within the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfy and was a decent size when compared to other cribs that we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is an absolute benefit when you're exhausted from every feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be set right beside the bed of a parent. This makes it easy for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort them or breastfeed. It also helps prevent baby rolling over, which can often lead to the suffocation. A crib that is safe should have sides that can be opened easily to ensure that exhausted mothers can easily open it in the late at night. It should also come with a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek design and low cost. It is available in a variety of colours including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is designed to fit divan beds. However, you might need longer straps to fit your mattress. The side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use even for the new parents.
It's a little bulkier than other cribs and does not fold completely flat. However, it is still large enough to fit in its convenient bag for travel. Mum on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she warns that the fabric is prone to tearing when removed from its travel bag.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside that has wheels, making it easier to maneuver. It folds completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, like a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window for easy cleaning and a breathable, sturdy mattress, but some moms were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other options. It comes with a carry bag which is great for keeping it dust-free and clean during storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper, is made to be placed beside your bed. It lets you see your baby and reach them during the night. This is beneficial for night feedings and changing diapers. It is ideal for parents that want to keep their children close, but don't want to risk suffocation and overheating. It is also a good option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of designs available. Some come with an upper and lower panel that is able to be lowered so that you can see and touch your baby throughout the night but still prevents accidental bed-sharing. Others come with a pop-up style that lowers to let you raise your baby but then raises automatically.
You'll need to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which can be important if space is restricted in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is great for older babies who might be beginning to roll over or slouch in the night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine washable and is fitted with a sheet, which is easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux option which can be beneficial for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and practical alternatives are those that attach securely to the bed of your parents, either using straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs also have adjustable legs to accommodate different bed heights. This is useful for those with an unusually-shaped divan or bed. It is also possible to consider a crib that has an adjustable 4th wall that can be used for playpen or a babysitter during the daytime.