Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
Essentially, a bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to your bed and lets you access your baby for meals at night or to bring them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which comes with many technical features for parents who are busy, including a reflux incline setting and soothing centre with amber light for the night and floor with 2 vibration levels. It's also light and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or baby bassinet) allows your child to sleep with you at night but in their own crib, keeping them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and ensure that the crib is snugly fitted. It is essential to stay clear of gaps since they can increase the risk of getting trapped. This poses a serious hazard. It's also important to ensure that the crib is free of any items that could pose a suffocation hazard, including pillows, blankets and toys.
Look for a crib with a mesh panel on one side that is visible, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat, and airy. The slats should be placed at a minimum of 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard to ensure that your child is unable to climb out of the crib or put their head over the footboard. Many models come with a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers as well as rockers, music, and night lights. These are wonderful features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should remain in their own crib until they are able to stand or sit at around six months, when they're able to sleep in a different crib.
It's also essential to select a crib that doesn't have corner posts, since they could pose a risk to your baby's health by creating areas where their limbs or heads could be entangled. If you have a crib that contains these, consider removing them to stop your baby from becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib away form drape cords as your baby may become entangled and fall or strangle.
If you're using an old cot, make sure it's safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and should be sturdy and in good condition with no loose components. It is also essential 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 toxic for babies.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib, also known as a cot or bassinet is designed to be positioned next to a parent's mattress. This lets newborns rest with their parents without the risk of co-sleeping. They're a great option for parents who struggle to get up to feed their children and comforting, especially if they've had a difficult birth. Some can also be used as an infant Moses Basket or infant carrycot to offer a more flexible and safe sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed using straps that secure them and some have the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings to work with different types of beds. Many cribs have mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility. Some models have a side that can be moved up or down to give parents direct access to their child. This is beneficial for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, which encourages a more natural sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. However, this should be used with extreme care and only with the guidance of a medical professional.
MFM home tester Jasmine was impressed by the size of the crib It's "it's significantly larger than most Moses baskets and feels sturdy and solid it's a bit like an investment piece but not so costly that it's unaffordable." She also liked how easy it was to use, especially its pivoting base, stating: "You can just spin it around to reach across if you need to check on your babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it up again."
Another thing she liked was the ease with which it was to shut and open the door from the outside, especially when exhausted in the dark. She also appreciated the amount of space there was within the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also appreciated that the mattress was comfortable and spacious compared to the other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets are washable, which is a huge plus when you're exhausted after every meal!".
bedside travel cot can be set right next to the parent's bed. This makes it simple for parents to reach their child in the night to soothe or breastfeed. It also prevents baby from rolling over, which could occasionally lead to the suffocation. A high-quality crib should have sides that can be open, making it easy for parents who are tired during the night, as well as a mesh window so you can monitor your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek Scandi 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 may require a longer strap to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. The opening side panel, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use, even for new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than other cribs and doesn't fold completely flat, but it's an ideal size to fit into its handy carry bag to travel with. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's a breeze to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple mechanisms. She does point out that the fabric may wrinkle when it is removed from the bag to travel.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib that has wheels, which makes it more manageable and folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod, but it has some extra features that might be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an additional reflux tilt. It has a mesh window that zips up for simple cleaning, and a sturdy mattress that is breathable. Some mums considered it to be a bit shallower, though. It comes with a carrying bag that is useful for keeping the mattress clean and dust free when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper, was designed to fit by your bed. It allows you to see 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 bed-sharing (such as suffocation and overheating). It's also a great option for couples who do not share a room with their child.
There are a number of different styles you can choose from. Some models feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower. This allows you to be able to see and touch your child during the night, but also prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower so that the baby to be lifted off the bed, but automatically raise it.
You'll have to take into account the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact and are ideal if you have limited space in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies who might be beginning to roll over or pull themselves up in the night.
Choose a crib that is easy to clean, with mesh windows and breathable fabric that can help with ventilation. Some cribs have a removable mattress, which can be machine-washed and is fitted with a mattress. This makes it easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some models have an anti-reflux feature that can be helpful for those suffering from reflux.
Most secure and convenient cribs are those that can be attached securely to the parents' bed, either with straps or a locking system that keeps it in place while not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful when you have a peculiarly shaped bed or a divan. Other features to think about are a detachable fourth wall, which could be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.