Bedside Crib Or Cot: What Nobody Is Discussing
Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
Essentially, a bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that fixes to your bed and allows you to be close to your baby during meals at night or to calm them back to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which has lots of technical features for parents who are busy, including an incline setting for reflux and a the soothing centre that has an amber floorlight and nightlight with two levels of vibration. It's also light and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or baby bassinet) lets your baby sleep with you at night but in their own crib, which keeps them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for weight limits, and ensure that your child's bed is a good fit. It is crucial to avoid gaps as they increase the chance of being entangled. This poses a serious risk. It's also important to ensure that the crib is free of objects that could create an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Look for cribs that have an open side panel that which your child can see through, and a sturdy, flat, breathable mattress. The slats must be spaced not more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby cannot get out of the crib or put their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers as well with music, rockers and night lights. These are all wonderful features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to stand or sit up. This usually happens about 6 months old.
It is also recommended to choose a crib with no corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby since they create spaces where their limbs and heads may get caught. You should consider removing these posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothes. Keep bedside travel crib form drape cords as your baby could get caught and fall or strangle.
Make sure that the cot is still safe for use even if you're using a cot that is used. It must be in good shape and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It should not have rough surfaces or holes. It's also important to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, since older cots may have lead paint on them, which is toxic for babies.
Ease of Use
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cot or bassinet, is designed to be positioned next to a parent's mattress. This allows newborns to sleep near their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. These are a great option for parents who have a hard time getting out of bed to feed their baby or to comfort them during the night, particularly after a difficult birth. They can also double as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs can be secured to the parent's side with a strap. Some have a swivel and adjustable height settings, so they can be used with different kinds of beds or types. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides to improve visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down sides that can be lowered or removed to allow access to the baby from the bed of the parent and helps with feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to create a more natural sleeping position that is safer for babies with reflux, colic or other digestive issues. This should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the size of the crib - "it's significantly larger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels solid and sturdy - a bit like an investment piece but not so expensive that it's not affordable." She also appreciated how easy it was to use, especially its base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach across if you need to check on baby- and when you want to go back to sleep, you just pull it back up."
She also liked how easy it was to shut and open the door, even when she was bleary-eyed at late at night. She also appreciated the amount of space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and a good size compared to some of the cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus, the sheets are washable, which is a major plus when you're exhausted after every feed!".
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is it can be set right next to the parents' bed and makes it simple to reach the baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It also helps prevent baby falling over, which can sometimes cause the suffocation. A high-quality crib must have sides that are open, making it easy for parents who are tired during the night, as well as a mesh window that lets you monitor your baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek design and low cost. It comes in a variety of colors including gender-neutral gray and wood effect. It is made to fit divan beds. However, you may require longer straps to fit your mattress. Its open side panel with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all easy to use even for sleepy new parents.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs, and it isn't able to fold flat. But it's still a good enough size to fit in its handy bag for travel. Mum on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's easy to set up, with clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. However, she warns that the fabric is susceptible to tearing when removed from its bag to travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib that has wheels, which makes it more maneuverable, and it folds down completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod however it comes with additional features that could appeal, including a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an optional reflux tilt. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a durable, breathable mattress, although some mums felt it was a bit shallower than other models. It comes with a carry bag that is ideal for keeping the mattress clean and dust free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper, is made to fit by your bed. It allows you to see your baby and reach them during the night. This is useful for feeding at night and changing the diapers. This makes it ideal for parents who want to keep their child close but don't want to take on the dangers of sharing a room with a child (such as suffocation and 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 pick from. Some have a side panel that can be lowered, which lets you be able to touch and see your baby during the night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to allow you to take your baby out of the crib, but then raises again automatically.
You'll also have to think about the dimensions of your bed and the width or how narrow you want your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and compact, which is important in case you are restricted by space in your home. Some are stronger and larger and are great for older children who may be starting to roll or pull themselves up during the night.
Choose a crib with mesh windows, breathable fabric and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs have mattresses that are removable, and can be machine-washed and is fitted with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux option that can be helpful for reflux sufferers.
The safest and most practical options are those that fasten securely to the parents' bed by straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place even when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs to accommodate different bed heights. This could be useful for those with a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. It is also possible to consider a crib that has a removable 4th wall that could be used as a playpen or as a babysitter during the daytime.