Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your bed and lets you be close to your baby during evening feedings or to help calm them back to sleep. These are especially useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which comes with lots of technical features for busy new parents including a reflux incline setting and soothing centre with amber floorlight and nightlight with 2 vibration levels. It is also lightweight and easily moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or baby bassinet) allows your child to sleep close to you at night but in their own crib, thereby keeping them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the instructions of the manufacturer for weight limits, and ensure that your child's bed is snugly fitted. If there are gaps they could increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a serious hazard. It's also important to keep the crib clear of objects that could create the risk of suffocation, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Choose cribs that have mesh sides that you can see your child through, and a sturdy air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats should be placed at a minimum of 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard so your baby cannot leave the crib or reach their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves to store diapers and wipes as well with music, rockers and night lights. These are wonderful features to have, but keep in mind that your baby must remain in their own crib until they are able to sit up or stand, around six months, when they're able to sleep in a different crib.
It's also important to pick a crib that does not have corner posts as they could pose a risk to your baby's health by creating spaces where their limbs or heads could get trapped. If you have a crib with these, you should consider taking them out 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, check that it's safe to use. It must be in good shape and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It should also not have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also important to ensure whether the cot has been stripped down and painted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 could have had lead paint, which is toxic for babies.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib, also known as a cot or bassinet is designed to be set close to the mattress of a parent's. This allows newborns to rest with their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. These are a great option for parents who have a difficult getting out of bed to feed their baby or to comfort them during the night, especially after a difficult birth. They can also be used as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side by straps. Some come with an adjustable swivel and swivel settings, which means they can be used with various types or beds. Some have mesh sides for improved airflow and visibility, too. Some models have sides that can be lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their baby. This is beneficial for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, which can encourage a more natural sleep position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This should only be done under the guidance of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine liked this crib's size and weight "it is a lot larger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels strong and rugged - a little like an investment piece but not too costly to be prohibitive." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience particularly its swivel base she said: "You just spin it around if you need to reach over to look over your babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, simply pull it back."
Another thing she was impressed with was how easy it was to open and shut the door from outside, particularly when she was bleary-eyed in the dark. She also liked the amount of space within the crib to store blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also appreciated that the mattress was comfortable and a good size compared to some of the other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is an absolute benefit when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be placed right next to a parent's bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child in the night to soothe or feed their baby. It also can help to prevent the baby from falling over and becoming suffocated. A good quality crib should have sides that are open, making it easy for parents with a bleary eye in the middle of the night, as well as a mesh window so you can keep an eye on your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek Scandi design 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 need to buy longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. The opening side panel and the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use, even for new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than some of the other cribs and it's not able to fold down completely flat, but it's still an ideal size to fit in its handy carry bag to travel with. Mum in the BabyCentre forums said it was easy to set up with its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. However, she warns that the fabric is prone to creasing when pulled out of its bag for travel.
If you prefer, you can choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib with wheels, making it easier to manoeuvre and folds completely flat. It's more expensive than the SnuzPod, but it has some extra features that might be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments and an optional reflux incline. It also has a mesh-lined window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a durable mattress that is breathable. Some mums found it a bit deeper, however. It comes with a carrying bag that is handy for keeping the mattress dust-free and clean in storage.
Style
A bedside crib can also be called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to fit next to your bed. It lets you see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is beneficial for night feedings and changing nappy. It is perfect for parents who want to keep their babies close, but don't want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share the bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of styles available. Some models feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower. This lets you be able to see and touch your child during the night, but it also prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-ups lower to let the baby to be lifted off the bed, but automatically raise it.
You'll also have to think about the size of your bed and the width or how narrow you would like your crib to be. Some are more slim and compact than others, which may be important if space limited in your home. bedside baby bed are more robust and larger which is ideal for older babies who could be starting to roll or climb up at night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs come with a removable mattress, which can be machine-washed and fitted with a mattress. This makes it much easier to clean than the regular crib mattress. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline option, which is useful for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and reliable options are those that fasten securely to the bed of your parents with straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is helpful when you have a peculiarly designed bed or divan. Other features you could think about are a detachable fourth wall, which could be used as an infant sitter or play pen during the day, and a removable changing tray.