Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to your bed. It allows you to reach your baby to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from births via c-section.
Our testers from our parent group have praised the SnuzPod 4 for its many features. They include a reflux incline and soothing center, which has an amber nightlight, as well as floor lamps that have two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet for babies or a co-sleeper) allows your child to sleep close to you at night but in their own crib, which keeps them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits and make sure that the crib is a good fit. It is important to stay clear of gaps since they increase the chance of getting trapped. This is a major hazard. It's also important to clear the crib of objects that could create an entrapment risk, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Find a crib that has mesh sides that you can see your child through and a firm air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will keep your baby from getting out of the crib. Many models also feature a built-in changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers night lights and music. These are all fantastic features, but your baby should remain in the crib until they can sit up or stand. This is usually around 6 months.
It is also recommended to choose a crib that does not have corner posts. They can be dangerous for your baby as they create spaces where their head and limbs might be caught. You should consider removing these posts from your crib to prevent your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothes. Also, ensure that you keep the crib free of drape and window blind cords as your baby may become entangled and fall, or even be strangled.
Check that the cot is still safe for use if you're using a cot that is used. It must be in good shape and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It should not have rough surfaces or holes. It is also essential to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted. cots made before 1973 could have lead paint on them, which can be harmful to babies.
Easy to Use
Bedside cribs are cot or bassinet designed to be placed safely next to the bed of a parent and allow newborns to sleep close by without any of the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are an excellent option for parents who have a hard to get out of bed to feed their baby or comfort them at night, particularly after a difficult birth. They can also be used as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the side of the parent's bed by straps that secure them and some come with the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings to work with various types of beds. Some cribs come with mesh sides that improve visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down feature which can be removed or lowered to allow direct access to the baby from the bed of the parent, which helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, which can encourage the most natural sleeping position for babies with reflux or colic. her comment is here is only done under the supervision of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home tester Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib and said "it's a lot bigger than the majority of Moses baskets, and feels sturdy and solid - a bit like an investment piece but not so costly that it's impossible to afford." She also liked how easy it was to use, particularly its base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach across if you need to check on your babyand then when you're ready to go back to sleep, you can simply pull it up again."
She also liked how simple it was to open and close the door, even when she was bleary-eyed at late at night. She also appreciated the space there was inside the crib for stashing blankets, nappies and other essentials. She also appreciated the mattress's comfort and spacious compared to some of the other cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is an absolute benefit after a long feed!"
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it can be positioned right next to the parents' bed and makes it simple to reach baby during the night to nurse or comfort. It can also help keep the baby from rolling over and becoming suffocated. A crib that is safe should have easily-openable sides to ensure that exhausted mothers can easily open it in the late at night. It should also have an opening with mesh to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek design in Scandi and a reasonable price. It comes in a range of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect, and is specifically designed to work with divan beds, although you may require longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. The opening side panel as well as the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use even for parents who are new.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs and does not fold completely flat. However, it is still large enough to fit into its handy carry bag when travelling. Mum in the BabyCentre forums said it was easy to set up with its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. She does point out that the fabric can wrinkle when it is taken out of the bag for travel.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels, which makes it more manageable, and it folds down completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with several additional features that may be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments and an optional reflux incline. It also has a zip-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a breathable, sturdy mattress, though some mothers were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other models. It comes with a carry bag that is useful to keep the mattress clean and dust-free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib can also be known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed close to your bed. It lets you be able to see and touch your baby throughout the night, which helps with feedings at night and changing nappy. It is perfect for parents who want to keep their children close but do not want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a great choice for couples who don't share the bedroom with their child.
There are many different styles to pick from. Some models come with an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted to lower. This lets you see and touch your child throughout the night, but prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower so that you lift your baby from the bed, but automatically raise it.
You'll need to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky and are ideal if you have limited space in your home. Some are larger and more durable, which is perfect for older babies who might be beginning to roll over or pull themselves up in the night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, and has breathable fabric and mesh windows which can aid in ventilation. Some cribs have an adjustable mattress that can be washed in the machine and fitted with a mattress. This makes it much easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some also have an anti-reflux incline feature, which is beneficial for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and reliable options are those that fasten securely to the bed of your parents, either using straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that be able to work with different bed heights. This could be useful for those with a divan or another unusually-shaped bed. You may also think about a crib that has a removable 4th wall that could be used as a playpen or as a babysitter during the day.