Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to your bed and allows you to access your baby for meals at night or to soothe them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its numerous technical features. It has a reflux incline and soothing centre, with an amber nightlight, as well as floor lamps that have two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep with you during the night in their crib. This keeps them safe from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits and ensure that your child's mattress fits snugly. If there are gaps this could increase the risk of getting trapped, which is a serious hazard. It is also essential to clear the crib of items that can present an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Choose cribs that have mesh sides that you can see your child through, as well as a firm, flat, breathable mattress. The slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard must not be higher than the footboard. This will prevent your baby from climbing out of the crib. Many models come with a built-in changer, shelves for storing wipes and diapers as well with music, rockers and night lights. These are fantastic features to have but remember that your baby should stay in their own crib until they are able to stand or sit up, around six months, when they're able to sleep in a different crib.
It is also advisable to select a crib with no corner posts. These can be dangerous for your baby because they create spaces where their limbs and heads might be stuck. Consider removing these posts from your crib to prevent your child from getting entangled with their toys or clothing. Keep the crib free of window blind cords and drape cords as your baby could get caught and fall or strangle.
Check that the cot is still safe for use if you're using an old cot. It should not have any rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and must be solid and well-maintained with no loose parts. It is also important to verify whether the cot has been stripped down and painted. Cots made before 1973 may have had leaded paint, which could be toxic for babies.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib, also known as a cot or bassinet is designed to be positioned on top of the parent's mattress. This allows newborns to sleep with their parents, without the risks of co-sleeping. They're a good option for parents who are struggling to get out of bed to feed their children and comforting, particularly when they've had an uneasy birth. 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 using straps. baby bedside cot come with the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings, which means they can be used with various kinds of beds or types. Many cribs have mesh sides to increase visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down side that can be lowered or removed for easy access to the baby from the parent's bed and helps with feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs tilt at one end, allowing the most natural sleeping position for babies with reflux or colic. However it should be done with extreme caution and only with the advice of a health professional.
MFM home test Jasmine liked this crib's size - "it is much larger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels sturdy and robust - it's like an investment piece, but not so expensive as to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its ease of use particularly its swivel base and said: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to look over your babyand then, when you're ready to go back to sleep, you just pull it again."
She also liked how easy it was to open and close the door, even if she was bleary-eyed at the end of the night. She also liked the space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a good size in comparison to some of the cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus, the sheets are easily washable - which is a huge plus when you're exhausted after a meal!".
Portability
One of the best things about a crib for bed is that it can be positioned near the parents' bed, making it easy to reach baby during the night for breastfeeding or comforting. It can also help stop the baby from falling over and becoming suffocated. A good quality crib should have sides that are easily accessible, making it easy for parents with a bleary eye during the night, as well as a mesh window that lets you monitor your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek design in Scandi and great price tag. It comes in a range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is specifically designed to be compatible with divan beds, however, you may require a longer strap to make it compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all easy to operate even for sleepy new parents.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs and isn't able to fold flat. However, it is nevertheless a decent size to fit into its handy carry bag when travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says that it's a breeze to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple mechanisms. She does point out that the fabric can be stretched when taken out of the 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 it folds down completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod however it comes with additional features that could be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an additional reflux tilt. It also has a mesh-lined window that zips up for simple cleaning, and a sturdy mattress that is breathable. Some mums considered it to be a bit shallower, though. It comes with a carrying bag that is ideal to keep the mattress clean and dust free when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper, is made to be placed beside your bed. It allows you to see your baby's progress and be able to reach them during the night. This is useful for feeding at night and changing the nappy. This is ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby close but don't want the dangers of sharing a bed (such as 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 you can choose from. Some have a side panel that can be adjusted to let you 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 again automatically.
You'll need to take into account the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some are more slim and compact than others, which can be crucial if space is restricted in your home. Some are larger and more durable, which is perfect for older babies that may be beginning 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 is machine-washable and comes with a sheet that makes it easier to clean than the typical mattress for a cot. Some have an anti-reflux incline option, which is beneficial for people suffering from reflux.
The safest and most practical options are those that fasten securely to the bed of your parents by straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is helpful when you have a peculiarly shaped bed or a divan. Other features you could look at include a detachable 4th wall, which could be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.