Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style crib that is attached to your bed. It lets you reach your baby's mouth to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which has numerous technical features that are ideal for busy new parents including an incline setting for reflux and a the soothing centre that has an amber light for the night and floor with 2 vibration levels. describes it is also lightweight and is able to be easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) lets your child to sleep with you during the night in their crib. This helps to protect them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits and that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. It is important to avoid gaps as they could increase the risk of getting trapped. This poses a serious danger. It is also essential to keep pillows, blankets and toys from the crib.
Look for a crib that has an open side panel that which your child can see through, as well as a firm and breathable, flat mattress. The slats should be placed no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby isn't able to leave the crib or put their head over the footboard. Many models also feature an integrated changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, lighting for night and music. These are fantastic features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should stay in their crib until they're able stand or sit at the age of six months, when they're able to sleep in a different crib.
It's also essential to select a crib that doesn't have corner posts, as these can be dangerous to your baby by creating areas where their limbs or heads might be trapped. If you have a crib that has corner posts, think about removing them to prevent your baby from becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Also, be sure to keep the crib free of window blind and drape cords because your child could become entangled and fall off or get strangled.
If you're using a second-hand cot, make sure it is still safe to use. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and must be solid and in good condition with no loose components. It is also important to ensure that the cot was taken down and painted. Cots made before 1973 could have had lead paint, which is harmful to babies.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib is a cot or bassinet designed to sit safely beside a parent's bed and allow newborns to rest close to their parents without any of the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are a great option for parents who have a difficult to get out of the bed to feed their infant or comfort them at night, especially after a difficult delivery. They can also be used as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide comfortable and safe sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the the parent's bed by straps that secure them and some come with a swivel base and adjustable height settings that can be used with various types of beds. Many have mesh sides to improve visibility and airflow, too. Some models come with a side that can be lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their baby. This is useful to feed your baby at night and is a great comforter.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, which encourages an easier sleep position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This is only done under the guidance of a medical professional and extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib - "it is a lot larger than most Moses baskets and feels strong and sturdy - almost like an investment piece but not too expensive to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use and its swivel bottom, saying: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to check on your baby -- and then when you want go back to sleep, simply pull it back."
Another thing she was impressed with was the ease with which it was to open and close the door from the outside, particularly when she was you're tired and drowsy in the darkness. She also appreciated the amount of space was there in the crib to store blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also appreciated that the mattress was comfortable and spacious compared to the other cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is an absolute benefit after a long feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib could be set right next to the parent's bed. This makes it easy for parents to reach their baby in the night to soothe or breastfeed. It also prevents baby from rolling over, which can occasionally lead to suffocation. A good quality crib should have sides that are easily accessible, making it easy for parents who are tired during the night, and a mesh window so you can keep an eye on your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek Scandi design and affordable price. It is available in a variety of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to work with divan beds although you may need to buy longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. Its opening side panel with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate even for tired new parents.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs, and isn't able to fold flat. But it's still large enough to fit in its convenient carry bag when travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. She also points out that the fabric could be stretched when taken out of the bag for travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed equipped with wheels, which makes it much easier to move. It also folds completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod however it comes with several additional features that may appeal, including a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an additional reflux incline. It has a mesh window that zips up for simple cleaning, and a durable mattress with breathable air. Some moms considered it to be a bit shallower, though. It comes with a carry bag that is handy for keeping the mattress dust-free and clean in storage.
Style
A bedside crib is known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to fit right next to your bed. It lets you see and reach your baby during the night, which helps with feedings at night and changing nappy. It is ideal for parents that want to keep their babies close, but do not want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a good option for couples who don't share a room with their child.
There are a number of different styles you can choose from. Some models come with an upper and lower panel that can be lowered. This allows you to see and touch your child throughout the night, but it also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-ups lower to let you to lift your baby off the bed, but automatically raise.
You'll need to take into account the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and compact which is essential when you are limited on space in your home. Others are more robust and larger and are great for older babies who might be starting to roll around or pull themselves up during the night.
Choose a crib with mesh windows, breathable fabric and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some have a removable mattress that can be washed in the machine and fitted with a sheet that makes it easier to clean than a standard mattress for a cot. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline feature, which can be useful for people suffering from reflux.
The most secure and safest cribs can be secured to the parents' bed by straps or a locking mechanism that secures it while not in use. Some cribs also have adjustable legs that can work with a range of different bed heights. This could be useful in the case of a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. Other features you might consider include a detachable 4th wall that can be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as a removable changing tray.