Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to your bed and lets you reach your baby for evening feedings or to help calm them back to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from C-section births.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, with numerous technical features that are ideal for parents with busy schedules, including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a soothing centre with amber floorlight and nightlight with 2 vibration levels. It's also light and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) allows your infant to 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). Follow the instructions of the manufacturer for weight limits, and ensure that the crib fits snugly. If there are gaps they could increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a serious hazard. It's also important to keep the crib clear of objects that could create the risk of suffocation, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Look for travel bedside crib that has a mesh side panel you can see your child through, and a sturdy, flat, breathable mattress. The slats should be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will prevent your child from getting out of the crib. Many cribs have a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers aswell with music, rockers and night lights. These are all wonderful features, but your baby should stay in the crib until they can stand up or sit. This usually occurs around 6 months.
It's also important to pick a crib that does not have corner posts as they could pose a risk to your baby's safety because they create spaces where their head or limbs might be trapped. If you have a crib that contains these, you should consider taking them out to prevent your baby from becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Keep the crib away form drape cords since your baby might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
Make sure that the cot is still safe to use even if you're using a cot that is used. It should be in good working order and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It shouldn't have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also important to verify whether the cot has been stripped down and repainted. Cots made before 1973 may have contained leaded paint, which could be harmful to babies.
Simple to Use
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot that is designed to sit safely beside the bed of a parent and let babies sleep close by without any of the risks associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They are a great choice for parents who have a difficult time getting out of the bed to feed their infant or to comfort them during the night, especially after a difficult delivery. They can also double as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side by a strap. Some come with the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings so they can be used with different kinds of beds or types. Many cribs have mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility. Some models have an option to have the side lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their child. This is helpful for nighttime feedings and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to encourage an easier and more natural sleeping position that is safe for babies suffering from reflux, colic, and other digestive issues. This is only done under the supervision of a medical professional and extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib - "it is much larger than most Moses baskets and feels solid and robust - it's like an investment piece, but not too costly to be prohibitive." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience particularly its swivel base she said: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to check on your baby -- and then when you want go back to sleep, you simply pull it again."
She also liked how simple it was to shut and open the door, even if she was exhausted at night. She also liked the amount of space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also appreciated the mattress's comfort and a good size compared to the other cribs we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is an absolute benefit when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be placed right next to the parent's bed. This makes it simple for parents to reach their child at night to comfort or feed their baby. It also prevents baby from falling over, which can occasionally lead to suffocation. A good crib should have a side that is easily opened to ensure that exhausted mothers can open it in the late at night. It should also have a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its stylish Scandi design and affordable price. It comes in a range of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect and is designed to be compatible with divan beds, however, you may require a longer strap to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use, even for new parents.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs, and does not fold completely flat. However, it is still a good enough size to fit in its convenient bag for travel. The mother on the BabyCentre forums said that it was easy to set up with its clear instructions and simple mechanism. However, she points out that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when taken out of its bag to travel.
You could also choose the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib equipped with wheels, which makes it much easier to move. It also folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, including an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It also has a mesh-lined window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a sturdy mattress with breathable air. Some mums thought it was a little deeper, however. It comes with a carry bag that is ideal for keeping the mattress clean and dust free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper, is designed to be placed beside your bed. It allows you to see your baby and reach them during the night. This is helpful for feeding at night and changing the nappy. It is ideal for parents that want to keep their babies close, but don't want to risk drowning or overheating. It's also a great choice for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are a number of different styles you can choose from. Some come with an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted, which lets you see and touch your baby at night, but it also prevents accidental bed-sharing. Some pop-ups lower to let you to lift your baby off the bed, but automatically raise again.
You'll also need to consider the dimensions of your bed as well as the width or how narrow you want your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and compact, which is important when you are limited on space in your home. Others are more robust and larger, which is great for older babies who might be starting to roll or climb up at night.
Pick a crib that is mesh windows, breathable fabric and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs have a mattress that can be washed in the machine and comes with a sheet, which is easier to clean than the typical cot mattress. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline option which is useful for reflux sufferers.
Most secure and convenient are cribs that can be secured to the parents' bed, either with straps or a locking mechanism that secures it even when it is not in use. Some cribs also have adjustable legs that can be able to work with different bed heights, which could be useful for those with a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. Other features you might look at include a detachable 4th wall, which can be used as an infant sitter or play pen during the day, as well as a removable changing tray.