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 to sleep. They are especially 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 features. These include a reflux incline and soothing center, with an amber nightlight as well as floorlights with two vibration levels. It is also lightweight and is able to be easily moved from one room to another.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep next to you during the night in their crib. This protects them from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits and that your child's mattress fits snugly. It is crucial to keep gaps out of the way as they increase the chance of entrapment. This poses a serious hazard. It is also essential to ensure that the crib is free of objects that could create an entrapment risk, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Look for a crib with a mesh panel on the side that you can see through and a mattress that is flat, firm, and airy. The slats shouldn't be larger than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib. Some cribs also have a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, lighting for night and music. These are all great features however, your baby should remain in the crib until they can stand up or sit. This usually occurs about 6 months old.
It is also advisable to select a crib with no corner posts. These can be dangerous for your baby because they create spaces where their limbs and heads might be trapped. If you have a crib with these, consider removing them to prevent your baby from becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib clear of window blind cords and drape cords as your baby might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
If you're using a secondhand cot, ensure that it's still safe to use. It must be in good shape and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It shouldn't have any rough surfaces or holes. It's also important to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted. the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have paint that has leaded on them, which can be toxic for babies.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot that is designed to be placed safely next to the parent's bed and let babies sleep close by without any of the risks that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are a great option for parents who have a hard to get out of the bed to feed their child or soothe them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also double as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide secure and flexible sleeping arrangements away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side with straps. Some have the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings, which means they can be used with various types of beds. Many cribs have mesh sides to improve visibility and airflow. Some models come with a side that can be moved up or down to give parents direct access to their baby. This is helpful for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, which can encourage an easier sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. However it should be done with extreme care and only under the advice of a health professional.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib and weight "it is much larger than other Moses baskets and feels sturdy and robust - it's like an investment piece, but not so expensive as to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use particularly its swivel base, saying: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to check on your baby -- and then when you're ready to sleep, simply pull it again."
Another thing she was impressed with was the ease with which it was to shut and open the door from outside, especially when bleary-eyed in the dark. She also appreciated the space was available inside the crib for stashing nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a good size in comparison to cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus, the sheets are easily washable - which is a major plus in the event that you're exhausted from every feed!".
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it can be positioned close to the bed of the parent and makes it simple to reach baby during the night for breastfeeding or comforting. It also prevents baby from falling over, which can often lead to death. A high-quality crib must have sides that are easily accessible, making it easy for parents with a bleary eye at the end of the night, and also a mesh window so you can monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek, modern design and affordable price. It is available in a variety of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to work with divan beds however, you may require longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use, even for new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than other crib options, and it doesn't fold completely flat, but it's a good size to fit into its convenient carry bag to travel with. Mum in the BabyCentre forums commented it was easy to set up with its clear instructions and simple mechanism. However, she notes that the fabric is prone to tearing when pulled out of its travel bag.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels, which makes it more maneuverable, and it folds down completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with additional features that could make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments and an optional reflux incline. It has a mesh window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a durable mattress that is breathable. Some mums thought it was a little shallower, though. It comes with a bag for carrying that is helpful for keeping it clean and dust-free in storage between use.
bedside travel crib , also known as co-sleeper, was designed to fit by your bed. It lets you see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is useful for night feedings and changing diapers. This makes it ideal for parents who wish to keep their child close but don't want to risk the dangers of bed-sharing (such as suffocation and overheating). It's also a good choice for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of different styles to pick from. Some come with a side panel that is able to be lowered to let you feel and touch your baby throughout the night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some pop-up designs lower so that you to lift your baby off the bed, and then automatically raise it.
You'll also have to think about the dimensions of your bed as well as the width or how narrow you want your crib to be. Some are more slim and compact than others, which can be important if space is limited in your home. Others are more robust and larger and are great for older babies who might be starting to roll or pull themselves up during the night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned surfaces. Some have a removable mattress that can be washed in the machine and fitted with a sheet, which is easier to clean than a standard cot mattress. Some come with an anti-reflux option which can be beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and safest cribs are those that can be secured to the parents' bed using straps or a 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 shape bed or a divan. Other features you could look at include a detachable 4th wall, which can be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as an adjustable changing tray.