Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet type crib that is attached to your bed. bedside cot 6 months plus lets you reach your baby to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep. They are especially helpful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers have praised the SnuzPod 4 for its numerous technical features. These include an incline of reflux and a relaxing center, which has an amber nightlight, as well as floor lamps with two levels of vibration. It is also light and can be moved easily from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep with you at night, but in their own crib, keeping them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the instructions of the manufacturer for weight limits, and ensure that the crib is snugly fitted. If there are gaps they could increase the chance of entrapment, which is another danger. It is also essential to clear the crib of items that can present the risk of suffocation, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Look for a crib with mesh sides that you can see your child through, as well as a firm and breathable, flat mattress. The slats should be spaced not more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby isn't able to get out of the crib or reach their head over the footboard. Some cribs also have an integrated changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers night lights and music. These are all wonderful features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to stand up or sit. This usually happens about 6 months old.
You should also choose a crib with no corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby since they create spaces where their limbs and heads could be trapped. If you have a crib that contains corner posts, think about removing them to stop your baby from becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Also, be sure to keep the crib away from drapery cords and window blinds because your child could become entangled in them and fall or be strangled.
If you're using an old cot, check that it is still safe to use. It should be in good condition and sturdy, without loose pieces. It should also not have rough surfaces or holes. It is also crucial to ensure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted. the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have lead paint on them, which can be harmful to babies.
Simple to Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot designed to sit safely beside the parent's bed and let babies sleep close by without any of the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are an excellent option for parents who have a difficult time getting out of the bed to feed their child or soothe them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also double as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more secure and flexible sleeping arrangements away from the crib.
Bedside cribs can be secured to the parent's side with a strap. Some have the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings, so they can be used with different types or beds. Many come with mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down side that lowers or removes to allow direct access to the baby's bed from the parent's that aids with feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to encourage the natural sleep position that's safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic and other digestive issues. However, this should be used with extreme caution and only under the advice of a medical professional.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib - "it is much larger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels strong and sturdy - almost like an investment piece but not so expensive as to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its ease of use and its swivel bottom and said: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to check on your babyand when you're ready to sleep, you just pull it again."
Another thing she liked was how easy it was to open and close the door from the outside, especially when exhausted in the dark. She also appreciated the space was available in the crib to store blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also appreciated that the mattress was comfortable and spacious compared to other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets are washable, which is an important benefit when you're exhausted after every feed!".
Portability
One of the best things about a crib that is bedside is it can be set right next to the parent's own bed, making it easy to reach the baby at night for feeding or to comfort. It also can help to prevent the baby from rolling over and suffocating. A good crib should have sides that can be opened easily for mothers who are tired can open it in the middle of the night. It should also come with an opening with mesh to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek Scandi design and affordable price. It is available in a variety of colours including gender-neutral gray and wood effect. It is made to fit divan beds. However, you might need longer straps to be 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 larger than other cribs, and it isn't able to fold flat. However, it's still large enough to fit in its handy carry bag when travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's easy to set up, with clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. She does point out that the fabric may be stretched when pulled out of the travel bag.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels, making it more manageable and folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, like a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an option to reflux inclined. It also has a mesh-lined window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a solid mattress with breathable air. Some moms found it a bit smaller, but. It comes with a bag for carrying which is great for keeping it dust-free and clean in storage between uses.
Style
A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper, was designed to be placed near your bed. It lets you see your baby and reach them during the night. This is beneficial for feeding at night and changing the nappy. This makes it ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby close but don't want to risk the dangers of sharing a bed (such as suffocation or overheating). It is also a good option for couples who don't share a room with their child.
There are many different styles you can choose from. Some come with an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted so that you can feel and touch your baby during the night, but also stops the possibility of bed sharing. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to let you lift your baby out but then raises automatically.
It is also important to consider the dimensions of your bed as well as how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which could be important if space is limited in your home. Others are sturdier and bigger and are great for older children who may be starting to roll or pull themselves up during the night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, with mesh windows and breathable fabric which can aid in ventilation. Some have a removable mattress that can be washed in the machine and comes with a sheet that is easier to keep clean than the typical crib mattress. Some also have an anti-reflux incline feature, which is useful for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and reliable options are those that fasten securely to the parents' bed, either using straps or the locking mechanism that holds it in place even when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is helpful if you have an unusually designed bed or divan. Other features you might consider include a detachable 4th wall that can be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.