Ten Things You Learned About Kindergarden Which Will Help You With Bedside Crib Or Cot
Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, 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 back to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which has lots of technical features for parents with busy schedules, 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. It's also lightweight and easily moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet) lets your child to sleep with you during the night in their crib. This helps to protect them from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits, and make sure that the crib is a good fit. If there are gaps they could increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a danger. It's also important to ensure that the crib is free of objects that could create the risk of suffocation, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Find a crib that has a mesh panel on one side that is clear and a mattress that is flat, firm and breathable. The slats shouldn't be wider than 2 3/8 inch apart and the headboard must not be higher than the footboard. This will prevent your baby from climbing out of the crib. Many models also feature a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, night lights and music. These are great features to have but remember that your baby must remain in their crib until they're able to sit up or stand at around 6 months old, at which point they can safely sleep elsewhere.
You should also choose a crib that does not have corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby since they create spaces where their limbs and heads may get trapped. If you have a crib with these, you should consider taking them out to avoid your child getting caught in their clothes or toys. Keep the crib free of drape cords, as your child might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
Check that the cot is still safe to use if you're using a cot that is used. It shouldn't have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes, and it should be solid and in good condition with no loose parts. It is also crucial to check whether the cot has been stripped down and painted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 could have had lead paint, which is toxic for babies.
Easy to Use
cotsfortots is a cot or bassinet designed to be placed safely next to the bed of a parent and allow newborns to rest close to their parents without the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a great option for parents who are struggling to get out of bed at night for feeds and comforting, particularly if they've had an uneasy birth. They can also serve as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide a more flexible and secure sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed using a secure strap and some have an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to fit different beds. Many come with mesh sides to increase visibility and airflow, too. Some have a drop-down side that lowers or removes to allow access to the baby from the bed of the parent that aids with feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to encourage an easier and more natural sleeping position that is safer for babies with reflux, colic, and other digestive issues. However it is recommended to use this method with extreme caution and only with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
MFM home tester Jasmine loved the size of this crib and said "it's much larger than most Moses baskets, and it feels solid and sturdy it's a bit like an investment piece but not so expensive that it's not affordable." She also appreciated how easy it was to use, particularly the pivoting base, stating: "You can just spin it around to reach it if you need to check on babyand then when you're ready to go back to bed you just pull it back up."
She also liked how easy it was to shut and open the door, even if she was tired at the end of the night. She also appreciated the space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also appreciated how the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size compared to other cribs that we've tried. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a huge plus when you're exhausted after a feed!".
Portability
A bedside crib can be set right beside the bed of a parent. This makes it easier for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort or breastfeed. It can also help stop the baby from rolling over and suffocating. A good quality crib should have sides that can be easily accessible, making it easy for parents with a bleary eye in the middle of the night, as well as a mesh window that lets you monitor your child.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek design in Scandi and affordable price. It comes in a variety of colors including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is specifically designed to fit divan beds. However, you may require longer straps in order to fit your mattress. The opening side panel as well as the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use even for parents who are new.
It's a bit larger than other cribs, and it isn't able to fold flat. However, it's nevertheless a decent size to fit into its handy carry bag when travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple controls. She also points out that the fabric may wrinkle when it is pulled out of the bag for travel.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib that has wheels, which makes it more manageable, and it folds down completely flat. It's more expensive than the SnuzPod however, it has some extra features that might make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an optional reflux incline. It has a mesh window that zips up for simple cleaning, and a solid mattress with breathable air. Some moms considered it to be a bit deeper, however. It comes with a carry bag, which is useful for keeping it clean and dust-free in storage between usages.
Style
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as co-sleeper, was designed to be placed beside your bed. It lets you be able to see and touch your baby throughout the night, which can help with night feeds and changing nappy. This makes it ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby close, but don't want to risk the dangers of sharing a bed (such as suffocation and overheating). It is also a good option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are many different styles to choose from. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted, which lets you see and touch your baby throughout the night, but it also prevents accidental bed-sharing. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to let you lift your baby out but then raises automatically.
You'll also have to think about the size of your bed and the width or how narrow you would like your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky, which is important when you are limited on space in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is great for older babies who might be starting to roll over or pull themselves up in the night.
Choose a crib that is easy to clean, with mesh windows and breathable fabric that allow for ventilation. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine-washable and fitted with a sheet that is easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline option, which is beneficial for people suffering from reflux.
The most secure and reliable alternatives are those that attach securely to the parents' bed with straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place even when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful when you have a peculiarly designed bed or divan. Other features you could look at include a detachable 4th wall that can be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, and a removable changing tray.