Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that can be attached to your bed and allows you to reach your baby for night feedings or to bring them back to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our testers from our parent group have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many technical features. These include a reflux incline and soothing center, with an amber nightlight and floor lamps that have two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep near you at night in their crib. This helps to protect them from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and ensure 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 is a major danger. It's also important to keep the crib clear of objects that could create an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Look for bedside cot sale with mesh panels on the side that is clear and a mattress that is firm, flat, and ventilated. The slats must be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will stop your child from getting out of the crib. Many cribs have a built-in changer, shelves for storing wipes and diapers as well with music, rockers and night lights. These are all great features however, your baby should remain in the crib until they are able to stand up or sit. This usually happens about 6 months old.
It's also important to choose a crib that does not have corner posts as they could pose a risk to your baby by creating areas where their head or limbs could be entangled. If you have a crib that has these, you should consider taking them out to prevent your baby from becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib away form window blind cords and drape cords as your baby could get caught and fall or strangle.
If you're using an old cot, ensure that it's safe to use. It should be in good condition and sturdy, without loose pieces. It should also not have rough surfaces or holes. It's also important to ensure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, since cots made before 1973 could have leaded paint on them, which is poisonous for infants.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or cot, is designed to be placed close to the mattress of a parent's. This lets newborns rest with their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. They're a good option for parents who find it difficult to get out of bed at night for feeds and comforting, particularly in the event of an uneasy birth. They can also double as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side by a strap. Some have the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings, which means they can be used with various types of beds. Many come with mesh sides to increase visibility and airflow, too. Some have a drop-down side which can be removed or lowered to allow access to the baby from the bed of the parent and helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, which can encourage an easier sleep position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However, this should be used with extreme caution and only under the advice of a medical professional.
MFM home test Jasmine liked the size of this crib - "it's a lot bigger than the majority of Moses baskets, and feels sturdy and robust it's a bit like an investment piece, but not so costly that it's unaffordable." She also liked the ease of use, particularly its swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach across if you need to check on baby -- and when you want to go back to sleep, you simply pull it up."
She also liked how simple it was for her to open and close the door, even if she was tired at late at night. She also enjoyed how much space there was within the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size in comparison to other cribs for bedside we've tried. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is a major bonus when you're exhausted from every feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib could be placed right next to a parent's bed. This makes it easy for parents to reach their child at night to comfort or feed their baby. It also prevents baby from rolling over, which can sometimes cause death. A crib that is safe should have easily-openable sides for mothers who are tired can open it in the late at night. It should also have a mesh window that keeps an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek Scandi design and a reasonable price. It is available in a variety of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect and is specifically designed to work with divan beds however, you may require a longer strap to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use even for the new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than some of the other crib options and doesn't fold flat, but it's still a good size to fit in its handy bag for transport. Mum in the BabyCentre forums noted that it was simple to set up, thanks to its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. However, she points out that the fabric is prone to creasing when taken out of its bag for 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 more maneuverable. It folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod, but it has additional features that could make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an optional reflux tilt. It comes with a mesh window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a solid mattress with breathable air. Some moms thought it was a little deeper, however. It comes with a carry bag that is ideal to keep the mattress clean and dust free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib can also be called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed next to your bed. It allows you to see and reach your baby during the night, which is helpful with feeding your baby at night and changing nappy. It is ideal for parents that want to keep their babies close, but don't want to risk suffocation or overheating. It's also a good choice for couples who don't share a room with their child.
There are many different styles to choose from. Some models feature an additional side panel that can be removed. This lets you be able to see and touch your child at night, but it also prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower to allow the baby to be lifted off the bed, but then automatically raise again.
You'll also need to consider the dimensions of your bed as well as how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which can be important if space restricted in your home. Others are more robust and larger and are great for older babies who could be starting to roll around or climb up at night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, and has breathable fabric and mesh windows that can help with ventilation. Some cribs come with a removable mattress, which can be machine-washed and is fitted with a mattress. This makes it much easier to clean than the regular crib mattress. Some also have an anti-reflux incline option which can be useful for people suffering from reflux.
The most secure and reliable options are those that fasten securely to the parents' bed, either using straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that work with a range of different bed heights. This could be useful in the case of a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. You might also consider the crib with an adjustable 4th wall that can be used for playpen or a babysitter during the daytime.