bedside baby sleeper Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to your bed and allows you to access your baby for meals at night or to soothe them back to sleep. They are particularly useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which has lots of technical features for parents with busy schedules, including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a calm centre with amber nightlight and floorlight with two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and can be moved easily from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) allows your child to rest with you at night, but in their own crib, which keeps them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and ensure that your child's crib is snugly fitted. If there are gaps this could increase the risk of being entangled, which is a risk that is serious. It is also essential to keep the crib clear of objects that could create a suffocation hazard, including blankets, pillows and toys.
Find a crib with a mesh side panel you can see your child through and a firm, flat, breathable mattress. The slats shouldn't be larger than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will stop your child from getting out of the crib. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers as well with music, rockers and night lights. These are all fantastic features, but your baby should remain in the crib until they can sit up or stand. This usually occurs around 6 months.
It is also recommended to choose a crib that does not have corner posts. They can be dangerous for your baby because they create spaces in which their limbs and head might be stuck. Take care to remove these posts from your crib to stop your child from getting entangled with their toys or clothing. Also, ensure that you keep the crib away from drapery cords and window blinds as your baby may get caught in them and fall, or even be strangled.
Make sure that the cot is still safe to use if you are using an old cot. It should be in good working order and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It shouldn't have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also important to ensure that the cot was stripped down and repainted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have contained leaded paint, which is harmful to babies.
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 rest with their parents without the risks of co-sleeping. They're a good option for parents who struggle to get up in the evening for feedings and comforting, particularly if they've had a difficult birth. Some can also serve as an infant Moses Basket or a baby carrycot to give infants a more flexible and safe sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side using straps. Some have an adjustable swivel and swivel settings, which means they can be used with different types of beds. Some have mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility, too. Some have a drop-down sides that lowers or removes for easy access to the baby from the parent's bed, which helps with 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 with the supervision of a medical professional and extreme caution.
MFM home tester Jasmine liked the size of the crib and said "it's significantly larger than the majority of 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 appreciated the ease of use, particularly the base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach across in case you need to check on baby -- and when you want to go back to sleep, you can simply pull it up."
Another thing she was impressed with was the ease with which it was to open and close the door from the outside, especially when bleary-eyed in the dark. She also appreciated the space was available in the crib to store blankets, nappies and other essentials. She also appreciated how the mattress felt comfy and was a decent size when compared to other cribs that we've tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a major plus when you're exhausted after a meal!".
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is it can be set near the parent's own bed, making it easy to reach baby at night to nurse or comfort. It also assists in preventing baby from rolling over, which could often lead to the suffocation. A crib that is of good quality should have sides that are easily opened, which makes it easy for parents with a bleary eye in the middle of the night, and also a mesh window so you can keep an eye on your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek, modern style and affordable price. It comes in a variety of colours including gender-neutral gray and wood effect. It is designed to fit divan beds. However, you might need longer straps to match 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 it doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's an ideal size to fit into its handy carry bag to travel with. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says that it's a breeze to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she warns that the fabric is susceptible to tearing when taken out of its travel bag.
You could also choose the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib that has wheels, making it much easier to move. It also folds completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod but it has a few extra features, including an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window for easy cleaning and a durable, breathable mattress, although some mums found it a little shallower than other options. It comes with a carry bag which is great for keeping it dust-free and clean during storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper, is designed to be placed near your bed. It lets you see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is helpful for night feedings and changing nappy. It is ideal for parents who wish to keep their children close but do not want to risk suffocation or overheating. It's also a great option for couples who don't share bedrooms with their child.
There are a variety of different styles to choose from. Some models have an upper and lower panel that can be lowered. This lets you be able to see and touch your child at night, but also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you to lift your baby off the bed, but then automatically raise again.
You'll have to take into account the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky which is essential in case you are restricted by space in your home. Some are larger and more durable, which is great for older children who may be starting to roll over or get up at night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric which can aid in ventilation. Some have a removable mattress that can be washed in the machine and fitted with a sheet, which is easier to clean than the standard cot mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option which is beneficial for people suffering from reflux.
The most secure and reliable choices are those that secure securely to the parents' bed with straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place when in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that accommodate different bed heights, which is useful in the case of an unusually-shaped divan or bed. Other features you might consider include a detachable 4th wall that can be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, and a removable changing tray.