Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style crib that is attached to your bed. It allows you to reach your baby's mouth to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep. They are particularly useful for mothers recovering from c section births.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, with lots of technical features for parents who are busy, including an incline setting for reflux and a the soothing centre that has an amber nightlight and floorlight with 2 vibration levels. It is also light and easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or baby bassinet) allows your child to sleep close to you at night but in their own crib, keeping them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the instructions of the manufacturer for weight limits and make sure that your child's bed is snugly fitted. If gaps exist they could increase the chance of being entangled, which is a danger. It is also essential to clear the crib of any items that could pose the risk of suffocation, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Find cribs that have mesh sides that you can see your child through, and a sturdy, flat, breathable mattress. The slats should be placed not more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby cannot get out of the crib or reach their head over the footboard. Some cribs also have a built-in changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers, music and night lights. These are all fantastic features, but your baby should remain in the crib until they are able to sit up or stand. This is usually around 6 months.
You should also choose a crib without corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby as they create spaces in which their limbs and head may get caught. Consider removing these posts from your crib to stop your child from getting caught with their toys or clothes. Keep the crib clear of drape cords, as your child could get caught and fall or strangle.
If you're using an old cot, ensure that it is still safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and must be solid and well-maintained with no loose components. It is also important to check that the cot was taken down and painted. Cots made before 1973 may have had leaded paint, which could be harmful to babies.
Ease of Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot designed to sit safely beside a parent's bed and allow newborns to rest close to their parents without the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). It's a great choice for parents who are struggling to get out of bed in the evening for feedings and comforting, especially if they've had an uneasy birth. Some can also be used as an infant Moses Basket or infant carrycot to offer a more flexible and safe sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side by a strap. Some come with an adjustable swivel and swivel settings, so they can be used with various types of beds. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down sides that can be lowered or removed for easy access to the baby from the parent's bed and helps in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to create an easier and more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies with reflux, colic, and other digestive issues. However bedside cots should be done with extreme care and only with the advice of a health professional.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size - "it is a lot larger than most Moses baskets and feels sturdy and sturdy - almost like an investment piece, but not so expensive as to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience particularly its swivel base and said: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to check on your babyand then, when you want go back to sleep, you simply pull it back."
Another thing she appreciated was the ease to open and shut the door from outside, particularly when she was exhausted in the dark. She also appreciated the amount of space was there inside the crib for stashing blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also appreciated the mattress's comfort and spacious compared to other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is a major bonus when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
One of the best things about a bedside crib is that it can be positioned near the parent's own bed, making it easy to reach baby during the night to nurse or comfort. It also assists in preventing baby from rolling over, which can sometimes cause death. A crib that is safe should have a side that is easily opened, so that bleary-eyed mothers can open it in the middle of the night. It should also have a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek design in Scandi and affordable price. 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. The opening side panel, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use even for parents who are new.
It's a bit bulkier than some of the other crib options and doesn't fold completely flat, but it's an ideal size to fit in its handy carry bag for travelling. Mum in the BabyCentre forums commented it was easy to set up thanks to its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. She does point out that the fabric can be stretched when pulled out of the bag to travel.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib with wheels, making it more manageable and folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but it has a few extra features, like a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It also has a zipper-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a breathable, sturdy mattress, although some mums felt it was a bit shallower than other models. It comes with a carry bag which is great for keeping it dust-free and clean in storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is designed to fit by your bed. It allows you to see and reach your baby throughout the night, which is helpful with night feeds and changing nappy. It is perfect for parents who wish to keep their children close but do not want to risk drowning or overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are many different styles you can choose from. Some models feature an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted to lower. This lets you see and touch your child at night, but also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to allow you to take your baby out of the crib but then raises automatically.
You'll also need to consider the size of your bed and how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky which is essential when you are limited on space in your home. Others are sturdier and bigger, which is great for older children who may be beginning to roll or pull themselves up during the night.
Pick a crib that is mesh windows, breathable fabric and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs come with an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and equipped with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than the regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option which is useful for reflux sufferers.
Safest and most convenient cribs can be securely attached to the bed of the parents by straps or a locking system that keeps it in place while not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that accommodate different bed heights. This could be useful in the case of a divan or another unusually-shaped bed. Other features you could consider include a detachable 4th wall, which can be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as an adjustable changing tray.