Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
Essentially, a bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to your bed and lets you be close to your baby during meals at night or to bring them to sleep. They are especially helpful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parents have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many technical features. They include an incline for reflux and a soothing center, with an amber nightlight, as well as floor lamps with two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and is able to be easily moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) lets your child to sleep next to you during the night in their crib. This keeps them safe from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and ensure that the crib fits snugly. It is important to keep gaps out of the way as they increase the chance of being entangled. This poses a serious danger. It is also important to keep blankets, pillows and toys out of the crib.
Look for cribs that have mesh sides that which your child can see through, as well as a firm, flat, breathable mattress. 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 baby isn't able to leave the crib or put 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 fantastic features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should stay in their crib until they're able sit up or stand at around six months, when they can safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to pick a crib without corner posts, as these could pose a risk to your baby's safety by creating spaces where their head or limbs could get trapped. If you have a crib that contains these, you should consider taking them out to prevent your baby from becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Keep the crib free of window blind cords and drape cords as your baby might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
If you're using an old cot, check that it's still safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and must be solid and well-maintained with no loose components. It is also important to check that the cot was taken down and repainted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 could have had lead paint, which can be dangerous for infants.
Easy of Use
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot that is designed to be placed safely next to a parent's bed and let babies sleep close to the parent without any of the risks associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are an excellent option for parents who have a difficult getting out of the bed to feed their child or soothe them at night, especially after a difficult birth. Some are also used as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to offer an easier and safer sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the parent's side with straps. Some have a swivel and adjustable height settings, which means they can be used with various kinds of beds or types. Many come with mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down feature that lowers or removes for easy access to the baby from the parent's bed that aids in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to encourage an easier and more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic, and other digestive issues. However it is recommended to use this method with extreme caution and only under the advice of a health professional.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the size of the crib - "it's significantly larger than the majority of Moses baskets, and it feels sturdy and solid It's almost like an investment piece but not so costly that it's impossible to afford." She also liked how easy it was to use, particularly the base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach it in case you need to check on babyand then when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it up again."
Another thing she was impressed with was the ease with which it was to open and shut the door from outside, particularly when she was exhausted in the dark. She also enjoyed how much space was available in the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other necessities. She also loved that the mattress was comfortable and a good size compared to cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is a major bonus after a long feed!"
Portability
A crib for bed can be placed beside the bed of a parent. This makes it simple for parents to reach their child in the night to soothe or breastfeed. It also helps prevent baby rolling over, which can occasionally lead to the suffocation. A high-quality crib should have sides that are open, making it simple for bleary-eyed parents in the middle of the night, and also a mesh window to keep an eye on your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its stylish Scandi design and affordable price. It comes in a range of colors including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is made to fit divan beds. However, you may need longer straps to match your mattress. The opening side panel and the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use, even for new parents.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs, and does not fold completely flat. However, it is still large enough to fit in its handy bag for travel. Mom on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's a breeze to set up, thanks to clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. However, she points out that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when taken out of its bag to travel.
4-in-1 bedside crib cotsfortots can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels that means it's more maneuverable, and it folds down completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with several additional features that may make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an additional reflux incline. It also has a zip-up mesh window for easy cleaning 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 to keep it clean and dust-free in storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib is known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed next to your bed. It allows you to see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is helpful to feed your baby at night and change the nappy. This is ideal for parents who want to keep their baby close but don't want the dangers of sharing a room with a child (such as overheating or suffocation). It is also a good option for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of designs available. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted to let you be able to touch and see your baby during the night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some pop-up designs lower so that the baby to be lifted off the bed, and then automatically raise again.
You'll need to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some are more slim and compact than others, which may be important if space restricted in your home. Others are more robust and larger which is ideal for older children who may be beginning to roll or pull themselves up during the night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that can help with ventilation. Some cribs have a mattress that can be washed in the machine and is fitted with a sheet that is easier to keep clean than the standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option, which is beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
Most secure and convenient cribs can be secured to the bed of the parents, either with straps or a locking mechanism that secures it even when it is not in use. Some cribs also have adjustable legs that can work with a range of different bed heights, which can be helpful for those with a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. Other features you might look at include a detachable 4th wall, which could be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.