Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that attaches to your bed. It lets you reach your baby's side to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, with lots of technical features for parents who are busy, including a reflux incline setting and calm centre with amber floorlight and nightlight with two levels of vibration. It is also lightweight and can be moved easily from one room to another.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet for babies or a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to 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 manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits and ensure that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. It is essential to avoid gaps as they could increase the risk of entrapment. This poses a serious danger. It is also essential to keep the crib clear of items that can present an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Find a crib that has a mesh panel on the side that is visible, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat, and ventilated. The slats should be placed not more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby cannot climb out of the crib or raise their head over the footboard. Some cribs also have a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, night lights and music. These are wonderful features to have but remember that your baby should remain in their own crib until they're able stand or sit up at around 6 months old, at which point they're able to sleep in a different crib.
It is also advisable to select a crib without corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby since they create spaces where their limbs and heads could be caught. If you have a crib with these, you should consider taking them out to avoid your child getting caught in their clothes or toys. Also, ensure that you keep the crib free of drape and window blind cords as your baby may get caught in them and fall or be strangled.
Check that the cot is still safe to use if you're using a cot that is used. It should be in good condition and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It shouldn't have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also crucial to ensure whether the cot has been stripped down and repainted. Cots made before 1973 may have had leaded paint, which can be harmful to babies.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or cot, is designed to be positioned close to the mattress of a parent's. This lets babies sleep with their parents, without the risk of co-sleeping. It's a great choice for parents who struggle to get out of bed at night for feeds and comforting, especially in the event of a difficult birth. They are also used as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to offer a more flexible and secure sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs fasten securely to the side of the parent's bed by a secure strap and some come with a swivel base and adjustable height settings to fit various types of beds. Many cribs have mesh sides to improve the visibility and airflow. Some models have a side that can be lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their baby. This is helpful for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs tilt at one end, allowing a more natural sleep position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This should only be done with the guidance of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size - "it is a lot larger than most Moses baskets and feels solid and sturdy - almost like an investment piece, but not too expensive to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience particularly its swivel base and said: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to check on your baby -and then, when you want go back to sleep, simply pull it again."
She also appreciated how easy it was for her to open and close the door, even when she was exhausted at the end of the night. She also liked the amount of space within the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also loved the mattress's comfort and spacious compared to the other cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - an important benefit when you're exhausted from every feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib could be placed beside the bed of a parent. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child in the night to soothe or breastfeed. It also helps prevent baby falling over, which can often lead to the suffocation. A crib that is safe should have a side that is easily opened, so that bleary-eyed mothers can easily open it in the middle of night. It should also have a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby.
lowest price is a popular choice, with its stylish Scandi design and great price tag. It comes in a range of colors including gender-neutral gray and wood effect. It is specifically designed to fit divan beds. However, you might 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 use even for sleepy new parents.
It's a little heavier than some of the other cribs, and it doesn't fold flat, but it's adequate to fit into its convenient carry bag to travel with. Moms on the BabyCentre forums said that it was simple to set up, thanks to its clear instructions and simple mechanism. However, she notes that the fabric is prone to creasing when pulled out of its bag to travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib with wheels that means it's easier to manoeuvre, and it folds down completely flat. It's more expensive than the SnuzPod however, it has additional features that could appeal, including a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an optional reflux incline. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a breathable, sturdy mattress, although some mums felt it was a bit shallower than other models. It comes with a bag for carrying which is great to keep it clean and dust-free in storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib is also known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed next to your bed. It lets you be able to see and touch your baby at night, which is helpful with feeding your baby at night and nappy changes. This is ideal for parents who want to keep their child close but don't want to risk the dangers of bed-sharing (such as suffocation or overheating). It's also a great choice for couples who don't share bedrooms with their child.
There are a number of different styles to pick from. Some models come with a side panel which can be removed. This lets you feel and see your child during the night, but also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you lift your baby from the bed, but automatically raise again.
You'll also have to think about the size of your bed and how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky, which is important if you have limited space in your home. Others are sturdier and bigger and are great for older babies who might be starting to roll around or climb up at night.
Pick a crib that is mesh windows, breathable fabric and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs have mattresses that are removable, and can be machine-washed and is equipped with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option which is useful for those suffering from reflux.
The safest and most practical alternatives are those that attach securely to the parents' bed with straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is a great option if you have an unusually designed bed or divan. It is also possible to consider a crib that has a fourth wall that is removable and could be used as an activity area or babysitter during the daytime.