Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that can be attached to your bed. It lets you reach your baby's mouth to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, with lots of technical features for busy new parents including a reflux incline setting and soothing centre with amber light for the night and floor with two vibration levels. It is also light and is able to be easily moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet for babies or a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you at night but in their own crib, thereby keeping them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits and ensure that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. If there are gaps they could increase the risk of entrapment, which is another risk that is serious. It is also important to keep blankets, pillows and toys from the crib.
Look for a crib with mesh panels on the side that you can see through and a mattress that is flat, firm, and breathable. The slats should be spaced not more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard so your baby isn't able to climb out of the crib or raise their head over the footboard. Some cribs also have a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, lighting for night and music. These are all fantastic features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to stand up or sit. This usually occurs about 6 months old.
You should also choose a crib without corner posts. They can be dangerous for your baby because they create spaces where their head and limbs may get trapped. Take care to remove the posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from getting caught with their toys or clothing. Keep the crib away form drape cords since your baby may become entangled and fall or strangle.
If you're using an old cot, check that it's safe to use. bedside cot for twins must be in good shape and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It shouldn't have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also essential to ensure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, as the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have paint that has leaded on them, which can be toxic for babies.
Easy of Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot that is designed to be a safe place beside the bed of a parent, allowing newborns to rest close to their parents without the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a good option for parents who are struggling to get out of bed to feed their children and comforting, particularly in the event of a difficult birth. Some also double up as a Moses basket or a carrycot for infants to offer safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed using a secure strap and some have a swivel base and adjustable height settings to fit various types of beds. Some cribs come with mesh sides to increase the visibility and airflow. Some models come with sides that can be lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their child. This is beneficial for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs are tiltable at one end, which encourages a more natural sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. This should only be done with the guidance of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home tester Jasmine liked the size of the crib It's "it's much larger than most Moses baskets, and it feels solid and sturdy - a bit like an investment piece but not so costly that it's not affordable." She also appreciated how easy it was to use, particularly the swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach it when you want to check on babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it up again."
She also appreciated how easy it was for her to shut and open the door, even if she was bleary-eyed at the end of the night. She also enjoyed how much space was available within the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size when compared to other cribs for bedside we've tried. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is an important benefit after a long feed!"
Portability
A crib for bed can be placed next to a parent's bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child at night to comfort them or feed their baby. It can also help prevent the baby from rolling over and becoming suffocated. A good quality crib should have sides that are easily opened, which makes it simple for bleary-eyed parents during the night, and also a mesh window to keep an eye on your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek design and affordable price. It comes in a range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect and is designed to work with divan beds however, you may require longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline, and the adjustable mattress heights are all simple to use, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's a little heavier than some of the other cribs, and it doesn't fold flat, but it's a good size to fit into its handy carry bag to travel with. small bedside cot on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's a breeze to set up, thanks to clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. However, small bedside cot warns that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when taken out of its 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 also folds completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod however it comes with several additional features that may make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an optional reflux incline. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a durable, breathable mattress, though some mothers were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other models. It comes with a carrying bag that is ideal to keep the mattress clean and dust free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib is called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to fit close to your bed. It allows you to see and reach your baby throughout the night, which helps with night feeds and nappy changes. This is ideal for parents who want to keep their baby close but don't want to risk the dangers of sharing a bed (such as overheating or suffocation). It's also a great option for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are many different styles to choose from. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted to let you feel and touch your baby at night, but also stops the possibility of bed sharing. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to allow you to raise your baby, but then raises again automatically.
You'll need to take into account the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which can be important if space limited in your home. Some are larger and more durable, which is perfect for older children who may be beginning to roll over or pull themselves up in the night.
Choose a crib that is easy to clean, with breathable fabric and mesh windows which can aid in ventilation. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine washable and is fitted with a sheet that is easier to clean than the standard mattress for a cot. Some also have an anti-reflux incline option, which is useful for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and safest cribs can be attached securely to the parents' bed, either with straps or a locking system that keeps it in place when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful when you have a peculiarly designed bed or divan. Other features you might consider include a detachable 4th wall, which could be used as an infant sitter or play pen during the day, as well as an adjustable changing tray.