Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that attaches to your bed. It lets you reach your baby to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep. They are especially helpful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which has lots of technical features for parents who are busy, including a reflux incline setting and the soothing centre that has an amber floorlight and nightlight with two levels of vibration. It is also light and can be moved easily from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or baby bassinet) lets your baby sleep with you at night, but in their own crib, which keeps them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits and ensure that your child's mattress fits snugly. If gaps exist, it may increase the chance of entrapment, which is another danger. It is also important to keep pillows, blankets and toys from the crib.
Look for a crib with mesh panels on the side that you can see through, and a firm mattress that is flat, firm and breathable. The slats should be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart, and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will keep your child from climbing out of the crib. Many cribs have a built-in changer, shelves for storing wipes and diapers aswell as rockers, music, and night lights. These are all fantastic features, but your baby should remain in the crib until they are able to sit up or stand. This is usually about 6 months old.
It is also recommended to choose a crib that does not have corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby since they create spaces where their head and limbs could be trapped. Consider removing the posts from your crib to prevent your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothing. Also, ensure that you keep the crib away from drapery cords and window blinds, as your baby could become entangled in them and fall or be strangled.
Check that the cot is still safe to use even if you're using a used cot. It shouldn't have rough surfaces, holes or peeling paint and must be sturdy and in good condition with no loose parts. It is also essential to check whether the cot has been stripped down and painted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 could have had lead paint, which can be harmful to babies.
Easy of Use
Bedside cribs are cot or bassinet designed to be placed safely next to a parent's bed, allowing newborns to rest close to their parents without any of the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a great option for parents who struggle to get out of bed in the evening for feedings and comforting, particularly if they've had an uneasy birth. Some are also used as an infant Moses Basket or a baby carrycot to give infants an easier and safer sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed with a secure strap, and some include a swivel base and adjustable height settings to work with different types of beds. Some have mesh sides for improved airflow and visibility. Some models have an option to have the side lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their baby. This is helpful for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs are tiltable at one end, which can encourage a more natural sleep position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This is only done under the supervision of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home tester Jasmine was impressed by the size of the crib It's "it's a lot bigger than most Moses baskets, and it feels sturdy and robust - a bit like an investment piece but not so expensive that it's unaffordable." She also appreciated how easy it was to use, especially its swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach over when you want to check on your babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, you just pull it back up again."
She also appreciated how easy it was for her to shut and open the door, even if she was bleary-eyed at night. She also appreciated the space was available inside the crib for stashing nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress felt comfy and was a decent size when compared to other cribs that we've tried. bedside cosleeper added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a major plus when you're exhausted after a meal!".
Portability
A bedside crib can be placed beside the bed of a parent. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child at night to comfort them or feed their baby. It also assists in preventing baby from rolling over, which could occasionally lead to the suffocation. A good crib should have a side that is easily opened for mothers who are tired can open it in the middle of the night. It should also come with a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its stylish Scandi design and a reasonable price. It is available in a variety of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to work with divan beds, however you might require a longer strap to make it compatible with your mattress. Its open side panel, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all easy to operate, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than other crib options and it's not able to fold completely flat, but it's an ideal size to fit into its convenient carry bag to travel with. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says that it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and simple mechanisms. She does point out that the fabric could get wrinkled when taken out of the travel bag.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib with wheels, making it easier to manoeuvre and folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but it has a few extra features, like an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It also has a zipper-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a durable, breathable mattress, though some mothers found it a little shallower than other options. It comes with a carry bag, which is useful for keeping it dust-free and clean in storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper, is designed to fit by your bed. It lets you view your baby and reach them during the night. This is beneficial for feeding at night and changing the diapers. It is ideal for parents who wish to keep their children close but do not want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a great option for couples who don't share bedrooms with their child.
There are a variety of styles available. Some come with a side panel that can be adjusted, which lets you feel and touch your baby during the night, but also stops accidental bed-sharing. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to allow you to lift your baby out and then raises automatically.
You'll have to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and compact and are ideal if you have limited space in your home. Some are stronger and larger, which is great for older babies who might be starting to roll or pull themselves up during the night.
Choose a crib that is easy to clean, and has breathable fabric and mesh windows which can aid in ventilation. Some cribs come with an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and equipped with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux option that could be beneficial to reflux sufferers.
The most secure and safest cribs are those that can be securely attached to the parents' bed, either with straps or a locking mechanism that secures it while not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is a great option for those with an unusually designed bed or divan. It is also possible to consider the crib with an adjustable 4th wall that could be used as an activity area or babysitter during the day.