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 reach your baby for meals at night or to calm them back to sleep. They are particularly useful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which has many technical features for parents with busy schedules, including an incline setting for reflux and a calm centre with amber light for the night and floor with 2 vibration levels. It's also lightweight and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep with you during the night in their crib. This protects them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the instructions of the manufacturer for weight limits and make sure that the crib is snugly fitted. If gaps exist they could increase the chance of entrapment, which is another serious hazard. It's also important to clear the crib of objects that could create the risk of suffocation, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Look for cribs that have an open side panel that which your child can see 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 prevent your baby from getting out of the crib. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves for storing wipes and diapers aswell with music, rockers and night lights. These are great features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should stay in their own crib until they are able to stand or sit up at the age of 6 months, when they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It is also advisable to select a crib with no corner posts. These can be dangerous for your baby as they create spaces where their head and limbs could be caught. If you have a crib that contains 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 since your baby might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
Check that the cot is still safe to use if you're using a used cot. It should be in good working order and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It should also not have rough surfaces or holes. It is also crucial to make sure that the cot has been taken down and repainted. cots made before 1973 could have lead paint on them, which is harmful to babies.
Easy of Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot that is designed to sit safely beside the bed of a parent and let babies sleep close to the parent without any of the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are an excellent option for parents who have a hard time getting out of the bed to feed their child or comfort them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. Some can also serve as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to offer a more flexible and safe sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed using straps that are secure, and some include a swivel base and adjustable height settings to work with different types of beds. Many cribs have mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down side which can be removed or lowered for easy access to the baby from the parent's bed, which helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, which encourages the most natural sleeping position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However it should be done with extreme caution and only with the advice of a health professional.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size - "it is a lot bigger than other Moses baskets and feels sturdy and rugged - a little like an investment piece but not so expensive as to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its ease of use and its swivel bottom, saying: "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 again."
Another thing she appreciated was how easy it was to open and shut the door from outside, particularly when she was exhausted in the dark. She also liked the amount of space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and a good size compared to the other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is a major bonus after a long feed!"
Portability
One of the great things about a crib for bed is it can be set close to the bed of the parent and makes it simple to reach the baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. right here prevents baby from falling over, which can sometimes cause death. A crib that is safe should have sides that can be opened easily to ensure that exhausted mothers can open it in middle of the night. It should also have a mesh window that keeps an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek Scandi design and a reasonable price. It comes in a range of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to work with divan beds, although you may require a longer strap to make it compatible with your mattress. The opening side panel, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use even for the new parents.
It's a little bulkier than other cribs, and isn't able to fold flat. But it's still large enough to fit into its handy carry bag when travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's a breeze to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple controls. She does point out that the fabric could wrinkle when it is taken out of the bag to travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib with wheels, making it much easier to move. It can also fold completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod however it comes with some extra features that might appeal, including a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an additional reflux incline. It also has a mesh-lined window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a solid mattress with breathable air. Some mums thought it was a little shallower, though. It comes with a bag for carrying, which is useful for keeping it dust-free and clean in storage between uses.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper, was designed to be placed beside your bed. It lets you view and reach your baby during the night, which is helpful with night feeds and nappy changes. 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 suffocation or overheating). It is also a good option for couples who do not share a room with their child.
There are many different styles available. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be lowered to let you be able to touch and see your baby during the night but still prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some pop-up designs lower so that you to lift your baby off the bed, but automatically raise.
You'll need to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which may be important if space is restricted in your home. Some are bigger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies that may be beginning to roll over or pull themselves up at night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, with mesh windows and breathable fabric that can help with ventilation. Some cribs have an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and equipped with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux option that could be beneficial to those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and practical choices are those that secure securely to the parents' bed, either using straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place when in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can work with a range of different bed heights, which is useful if you have an unusually-shaped divan or bed. Other features you could consider include a detachable 4th wall, which could be used as an infant sitter or play pen during the day, as well as a removable changing tray.