Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that can be attached to your bed and allows you to access your baby for night feedings or to bring them to sleep. These are especially useful for mothers recovering from c section births.
Our parents have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many technical features. These include a reflux incline and soothing centre, with an amber nightlight and floor lamps with two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep near you during the night in their own crib. This keeps them safe from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits and that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. If there are gaps this could increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a serious hazard. It is also essential to ensure that the crib is free of objects that could create an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Search for a crib with mesh panels on the side that is clear, and a firm mattress that is flat, firm, and airy. The slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will stop your baby from climbing out of the crib. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers as well as rockers, music, and night lights. These are all fantastic features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they can stand or sit up. This is usually about 6 months old.
It's also important to pick a crib that doesn't have corner posts, as these can be dangerous to your baby by creating spaces where their head or limbs could be entangled. Take care to remove these posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothes. Also, make sure to keep the crib free of drape and window blind cords because your child could become entangled and fall, or even be strangled.
If you're using a secondhand cot, make sure it is still safe to use. It must be in good shape and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It shouldn't have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also essential to ensure that the cot was stripped down and repainted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 may have had leaded paint, which can be dangerous for infants.
Easy of Use
A bedside crib, also known as a cot or bassinet, is designed to be placed next to a parent's mattress. This lets babies sleep near their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. These are an excellent option for parents who have a hard time getting out of the bed to feed their infant or to comfort them during the night, particularly after a difficult birth. Some can also serve as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide 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 come with an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to work with various types of beds. Some have mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down side that can be lowered or removed to allow direct access to the baby from the bed of the parent and helps with feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs are tiltable at one end, allowing a more natural sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. This should only be done with the guidance of a medical professional and extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine liked the size of the crib - "it's much larger than the majority of Moses baskets, and feels solid and sturdy It's almost like an investment piece but not so expensive that it's impossible to afford." describes it appreciated how easy it was to use, particularly its base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach over in case you need to check on your babyand when you're ready to go back to bed you just pull it back up."
Another thing she liked was how easy it was to open and shut the door from the outside, especially when bleary-eyed in the dark. She also liked the space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies and other essentials. She also liked how the mattress was comfy and was a decent size in comparison to other cribs for bedside we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is an important benefit when you're exhausted from every feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be placed next to a parent's bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child at night to comfort or feed their baby. It also assists in preventing baby from rolling over, which could sometimes cause the suffocation. A crib that is of good quality must have sides that are easily opened, which makes it simple for bleary-eyed parents in the middle of the night, as well as a mesh window that lets you keep an eye on your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek Scandi design and a reasonable price. It is available in a variety of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is specifically 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 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 a good enough size to fit in its handy bag for travel. Moms on the BabyCentre forums said that it was easy to set up with its clear instructions and simple mechanism. She does point out that the fabric can get wrinkled when removed from the travel bag.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib that has wheels, making it more maneuverable and folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, including a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and an option to reflux inclined. It also has a zipper-up mesh window for easy cleaning and a durable, breathable mattress, but some moms found it a little shallower than other options. It comes with a carrying bag that is ideal for keeping the mattress clean and dust-free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is designed to be placed near your bed. It allows you to see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is useful for feeding at night and changing the diapers. This is ideal for parents who wish to keep their child close but don't want the dangers of sharing a room with a child (such as suffocation and overheating). It's also a great option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are many different designs available. Some models come with an upper and lower panel that can be lowered. This lets you feel and see your child throughout the night, but also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-ups lower to let you lift your baby from the bed, but automatically raise.
You'll need to take into account the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some are more slim and compact than others, which could be crucial if space is restricted in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies who might be starting to roll over or pull themselves up in the night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that allow for ventilation. Some cribs come with a removable mattress, which can be washed in the machine and fitted with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux option that can be helpful for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and practical alternatives are those that attach securely to the parents' bed, either using straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place when in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can accommodate different bed heights. This can be helpful in the case of a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. It is also possible to consider a crib with a fourth wall that is removable and could be used as an activity area or babysitter during the daytime.