Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to your bed and allows you to be close to your baby during night feedings or to calm them to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, which has many technical features for busy new parents including an incline setting for reflux and a soothing centre with amber light for the night and floor with two levels of vibration. It is also light and easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet) lets your child to sleep next to you during the night in their crib. This protects them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits and ensure that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. It is important to keep gaps out of the way as they increase the chance of getting trapped. This is a serious hazard. It is also essential to clear the crib of objects that could create an entrapment risk, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Choose cribs that have a mesh side panel you can see your child through, and a sturdy air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats should be spaced not more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard so your child is unable to leave the crib or reach their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs have a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, music and night lights. These are great features to have but remember that your baby must remain in their crib until they're able to stand or sit, around six months, when they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to pick a crib without corner posts, since they could pose a risk to your baby by creating spaces where their limbs or heads might be trapped. You should consider removing the posts from your crib to stop your child from getting entangled with their toys or clothes. Keep the crib clear of drape cords since your baby might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
Check that the cot is still safe for use even if you're using a used cot. It should be in good working order and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes. It's also important to make sure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, since older cots may have leaded paint on them, which is toxic for babies.
Easy of Use
A bedside crib is a cot or bassinet that is designed to be a safe place beside the parent's bed, allowing newborns to rest close to their parents without any of the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). It's a great choice for parents who are struggling to get out of bed in the evening for feedings and comforting, especially when they've had a difficult birth. Some can also serve as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to offer an easier and safer sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs fasten securely to the the parent's bed with straps that secure them and some come with a swivel base and adjustable height settings that can be used with various types of beds. Some cribs come with mesh sides to increase the visibility and airflow. Some models have an option to have the side lower or removed to allow parents direct access to their baby. This is helpful to feed your baby at night and is a great comforter.
Some cribs tilt at one end, allowing a more natural sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. However it should be done with extreme care and only with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
MFM home test Jasmine liked this crib's size and weight "it is a lot bigger than most Moses baskets and feels strong and rugged - a little like an investment piece, but not too expensive to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience particularly its swivel base and said: "You just spin it around if you need to reach over to check on your baby -and then, when you're ready to sleep, simply pull it back."
Another thing she was impressed with was how easy it was to open and close the door from the outside, especially when exhausted in the dark. She also appreciated the amount of space within the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also liked how the mattress felt comfy and was a decent size compared to other bedside cribs we've tried. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is an absolute benefit when you're exhausted from every feed!"
Portability
One of the great things about a bedside crib is it can be set right next to the parents' bed which makes it easy to reach baby at night for feeding or to comfort. It also prevents baby from rolling over, which could often lead to the suffocation. A good crib should have easily-openable sides to ensure that exhausted mothers can open it in the late at night. It should also have an opening with mesh to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its stylish Scandi design and great price tag. It comes in a range of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect, and is specifically designed to work with divan beds although you may need to buy longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use, even for new parents.
It's a little heavier than some of the other crib options and it's not able to fold completely flat, but it's a good size to fit into its convenient carry bag to travel with. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's easy to set up, with clear instructions and simple controls. However, she notes that the fabric is prone to creasing when removed from its bag for travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside that has wheels, making it easier to maneuver. It folds completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, including a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and an option to reflux inclined. It also has a zipper-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a breathable, sturdy mattress, although some mums found it a little shallower than other models. It comes with a carry bag that is handy to keep the mattress dust-free and clean in storage.
Style
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as co-sleeper, is made to be placed near your bed. It allows you to see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is beneficial to feed your baby at night and change the diapers. This makes it ideal for parents who wish to keep their child close but don't want the dangers of sharing a room with a child (such as suffocation or overheating). It's also a great option for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are a number of different styles to choose from. Some come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to touch and see your baby throughout the night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some pop-ups lower to let you to lift your baby off the bed, but then automatically raise again.
You'll need to take into account the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and compact, which is important if you have limited space in your home. Some are bigger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies who might be beginning to roll over or pull themselves up in the night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, with mesh windows and breathable fabric that allow for ventilation. bedside cot co sleeper have a mattress that is machine-washable and comes with a sheet that makes it easier to clean than the typical mattress for a cot. Some come with an anti-reflux option that could be beneficial to reflux sufferers.
Most secure and convenient are cribs that can be attached securely to the bed of the parents using straps or a 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 if you have an unusually designed bed or divan. Other features you might think about are a detachable fourth wall, which could be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as a removable changing tray.