Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to your bed and lets you access your baby for night feedings or to bring them to sleep. These are especially useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers have praise for the SnuzPod 4 because of its many features. These include an incline of reflux and a relaxing center, with an amber nightlight, as well as floorlights with two vibration levels. It is also light and easily moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also known as cosleeper (or baby bassinet) allows your baby to sleep near you at night in their crib. This protects them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits, and to ensure that your child's mattress fits snugly. It is crucial to stay clear of gaps since they could increase the risk of getting trapped. This poses a serious hazard. It is also essential to keep pillows, blankets and toys out of the crib.
Search for a crib with a mesh panel on one side that is visible, and a firm mattress that is flat, firm, and airy. The slats must be spaced at a minimum of 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard to ensure that your baby cannot climb out of the crib or put their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs have a built-in changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers, lighting for night and music. These are all fantastic features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to stand up or sit. This is usually around 6 months.
It's also essential to select a crib that doesn't have corner posts as they could pose a risk to your baby's safety by creating spaces where their limbs or heads might be trapped. If you have a crib that has these, you should consider taking them out to prevent your baby from becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Also, ensure that you keep the crib clear of window blind and drape cords because your child could become entangled and fall, or even be strangled.
Check that the cot is still safe to use if you're using a used cot. It should not have any rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and should be solid and in good condition with no loose components. It is also crucial to ensure that the cot was stripped down and painted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 may have had leaded paint, which could be dangerous for infants.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib is a cot or bassinet that is designed to be a safe place beside a parent's bed and let babies rest close to their parents without the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are a great option for parents who have a hard getting out of the bed to feed their child or to comfort them during the night, particularly after a difficult delivery. Some also double up as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more comfortable and safe sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs can be secured to the parent's side by a strap. Some have an adjustable swivel and swivel settings, so they can be used with different types of beds. Some cribs come with mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down sides that lowers or removes to allow access to the baby from the parent's bed, which helps in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to encourage the natural sleep position that is safer for babies with reflux, colic and other digestive issues. This should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional and extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size - "it is a lot larger than other Moses baskets and feels strong and rugged - a little like an investment piece but not too costly to be prohibitive." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use, especially its swivel bottom she said: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to check on your babyand then, when you're ready to sleep, you just pull it again."
Another thing she appreciated was how easy it was to shut and open the door from the outside, especially when bleary-eyed in the dark. She also appreciated the space there was in the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. large bedside crib liked how the mattress was comfy and was a decent size compared to other bedside cribs we've tested. large bedside cot added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is a major bonus when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is it can be set near the parents' bed which makes it easy to reach the baby at night to nurse or comfort. It also prevents baby from rolling over, which can often lead to suffocation. A good crib should have a side that is easily opened, so that bleary-eyed mothers can easily open it in the middle of night. It should also come with an opening with mesh to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with its sleek design in Scandi and great price tag. It is available in a variety of colours including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is designed to fit divan beds. However, you might require longer straps in order to be compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all simple to use even for sleepy new parents.
It's heavier than some of the other cribs and doesn't fold flat, but it's an ideal size to fit into its handy bag for transport. The mother on the BabyCentre forums noted it was easy to set up, thanks to its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. She also points out that the fabric may be stretched when removed from the bag to travel.
You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed equipped with wheels, which makes it much easier to move. It folds completely flat. It's more expensive than the SnuzPod however, it has several additional features that may appeal, including a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an optional reflux tilt. It has a mesh window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a sturdy mattress that is breathable. Some mothers considered it to be a bit shallower, though. It comes with a bag for carrying, which is useful for keeping it dust-free and clean in storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper, is designed to be placed beside your bed. It lets you view your baby's progress and be able to reach them during the night. This is helpful for feeding at night and changing the diapers. This is ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby close, but don't want to take on the dangers of sharing a bed (such as suffocation and overheating). It's also a good option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are a number of different styles to choose from. Some models have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower. This allows you to see and touch your child during the night, but prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Others come with a pop-up style that lowers to let you lift your baby out and then raises automatically.
You'll need to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some are more slim and compact than others, which could be important if space limited in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is great for older babies who might be starting to roll over or slouch in the night.
Choose a crib with mesh windows, breathable fabric and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs have mattresses that are removable, and can be machine-washed and equipped with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux option which can be beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
The safest and most practical alternatives are those that attach securely to the parents' bed with straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place even when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is helpful if you have an unusually shape bed or a divan. It is also possible to consider the crib with an adjustable 4th wall that can be used for an activity area or babysitter during the day.