Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that fixes to your bed and lets you reach your baby for evening feedings or to help bring them back 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. They include an incline for reflux and a soothing center, with an amber nightlight as well as floor lamps that have two levels of vibration. It is also light and easily moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet for babies or a co-sleeper) allows your infant to rest with you at night but in their own crib, which keeps them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for weight limits, and make sure that the crib fits snugly. It is important to avoid gaps as they increase the chance of entrapment. This is a serious risk. It is also important to keep pillows, blankets and toys out of the crib.
Choose cribs that have an open side panel that you can see your child through, and a sturdy air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats should be spaced no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard so your child is unable to climb out of the crib or reach their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs have an integrated changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, music and night lights. These are all great features, but your baby should stay in the crib until they can stand up or sit. This usually happens about 6 months old.
You should also choose a crib that does not have corner posts. They can be dangerous for your baby because they create spaces where their head and limbs might be caught. If you have a crib that has these, you should consider taking them out to avoid your child getting caught in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib away form window blind cords and drape cords, as your child may become entangled and fall or strangle.
Make sure that the cot is still safe to use if you are using a used cot. It should not have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and should be solid and well-maintained with no loose components. It is also essential to ensure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, since older cots may have leaded paint on them, which can be toxic for babies.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cot is designed to be placed on top of the parent's mattress. This lets babies sleep with their parents, without the risks of co-sleeping. These are a great option for parents who have a hard getting out of bed to feed their baby or comfort them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also double as a Moses basket or a carrycot for infants to offer comfortable and safe sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the parent's side by a strap. Some come with the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings so they can be used with different types of beds. Many come with mesh sides to increase visibility and airflow, too. Some have a drop-down side which can be removed or lowered to allow access to the baby from the parent's bed that aids in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to create the natural sleep position that is safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic or other digestive issues. This should only be done under the guidance of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size and weight "it is a lot bigger than other Moses baskets and feels strong and sturdy - almost like an investment piece but not too expensive to be prohibitive." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience and its swivel bottom and said: "You just spin it around if you need to reach over to check on your baby- and then when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it back."
bedside co sleeper cot appreciated was the ease to shut and open the door from outside, especially when exhausted in the dark. She also appreciated the space there was in the crib to store blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also liked that the mattress was comfy and was a decent size in comparison to other bedside cribs we've tried. She added: "Plus, the sheets are easily washable - which is a huge plus when you're exhausted after a feed!".
Portability
One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it can be positioned right next to the parent's own bed, making it easy to reach baby at night to nurse or comfort. It also can help to keep the baby from rolling over and suffocating. A high-quality crib should have sides that can be easily opened, which makes it easy for parents with a bleary eye during the night, as well as a mesh window that lets you keep an eye on your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek, modern design and low cost. 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 longer straps to ensure it is 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 heavier than other cribs, and it does not fold completely flat. But it's still a good enough size to fit in its handy carry bag when travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's easy to set up, with clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she points out that the fabric is susceptible to tearing when pulled out of its bag for travel.
You could also choose the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed with wheels, making it much easier to move. It can also fold completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, like an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It also has a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a durable, breathable mattress, but some moms found it a little shallower than other options. It comes with a bag for carrying which is great to keep it dust-free and clean during storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper, was designed to fit by your bed. It lets you view your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is beneficial to feed your baby at night and change the nappy. It is ideal for parents that wish to keep their children close, but don't want to risk suffocation or overheating. It is also a good option for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of different styles to choose from. Some have a side panel that can be lowered so that you can see and touch your baby at night, but also stops the possibility of bed sharing. Others come with a pop-up style that lowers to let you raise your baby, but then raises again automatically.
You'll need to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact which is essential when you are limited on space in your home. Others are sturdier and bigger and are great for older children who may be beginning to roll or get up at night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, with mesh windows and breathable fabric that allow for ventilation. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine washable and fitted with a sheet, which is easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option which can be useful for people suffering from reflux.
Most secure and convenient cribs can be securely attached to the parents' bed, either with straps or a locking system that secures it even when it is not in use. Some cribs also have adjustable legs that can accommodate different bed heights, which is useful if you have an unusually-shaped divan or bed. Other features to think about are a detachable fourth wall, which can be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as an adjustable changing tray.