Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your bed and allows you to access your baby for evening feedings or to help bring them back to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many features. These include an incline for reflux and a soothing centre, with an amber nightlight as well as floor lamps that have two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) allows your child to rest with you at night, but in their own crib, thereby keeping them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is important to adhere to the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits and that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. If gaps exist, it may increase the risk of getting trapped, which is a danger. It is also essential to keep pillows, blankets and toys from the crib.
Search for a crib with a mesh panel on the side that is clear and a mattress that is flat, firm and airy. The slats must be spaced not more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your child is unable to get out of the crib or raise their head over the footboard. Many models come with a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers as well with music, rockers and night lights. These are all great features, but your baby should stay in the crib until they can stand up or sit. This is usually around 6 months.
It's also important to choose a crib without corner posts as they can be dangerous to your baby by creating areas where their limbs or heads could be entangled. If you have a crib with corner posts, think about removing them to prevent your baby from getting caught 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 must be in good shape and sturdy, without loose pieces. It shouldn't have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also important to check whether the cot has been stripped down and painted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 may have had leaded paint, which can be toxic for babies.
Ease of Use
A bedside crib, also known as a cot or bassinet is designed to be placed on top of the parent's mattress. This lets babies sleep with their parents, without the risk of co-sleeping. They are a great choice for parents who have a hard to get out of the bed to feed their infant or comfort them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. Some can also be used as a Moses Basket or a baby carrycot to give infants a more flexible and secure sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed with straps that secure them and some come with the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings to work with different beds. bedside cot for twins come with mesh sides that improve the visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down side that lowers or removes to allow access to the baby's bed from the parent's, which helps in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to encourage the natural sleep position that is safe for babies with reflux, colic or other digestive issues. However, this should be used with extreme caution and only with the advice of a healthcare professional.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib - "it is a lot bigger than other Moses baskets and feels strong and sturdy - almost like an investment piece, but not too costly to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use and its swivel bottom, saying: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to check on your babyand then, when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it back."
Another thing she appreciated was how easy it was to open and close the door from the outside, especially when you're tired and drowsy in the darkness. She also enjoyed how much space there was inside the crib for stashing nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also loved the mattress's comfort and a good size compared to the other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is an important benefit when you're exhausted from every feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib could be placed right beside the bed of a parent. This makes it easy for parents to reach their baby in the night to soothe or breastfeed. It also helps prevent baby falling over, which can occasionally lead to suffocation. A crib that is of good quality must have sides that are easily accessible, making it easy for parents who are tired in the middle of the night, as well as a mesh window that lets you monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its stylish Scandi design and affordable price. It is available in a variety of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect and is designed to be compatible with divan beds, although you may require longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. The opening side panel, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use even for parents who are new.
It's heavier than some of the other cribs and doesn't fold flat, but it's still adequate to fit into its convenient carry bag to travel with. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's easy to set up, with clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she warns that the fabric is prone to tearing when removed from its bag to travel.
You could also choose the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside with wheels, making it much easier to move. It folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod, but it has some extra features that might be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments and an optional reflux tilt. It comes with a mesh window that zips up for simple cleaning, and a sturdy mattress with breathable air. Some moms found it a bit deeper, however. It comes with a carry bag, which is useful for keeping it clean and dust-free in storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib is known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to fit next to your bed. It allows you to see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is beneficial for feeding at night and changing the diapers. It is ideal for parents who want to keep their babies close, but don't want to risk suffocation or overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share the bedroom with their child.
There are a number of different styles to pick from. Some come with an upper and lower panel that is able to be lowered to let you see and touch your baby during the night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some pop-up designs lower so that you lift your baby from the bed, but automatically raise.
You'll need to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and 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 starting to roll over or get up in the night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs have an adjustable mattress that can be washed in the machine and equipped with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline option, which is beneficial for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and practical choices are those that secure securely to the bed of your parents with straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful for those with an unusually shaped bed or a divan. You may also think about the crib with an adjustable 4th wall that can be used as an activity area or babysitter during the day.