4-in-1 bedside crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that can be 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 especially handy for mums 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 calm centre with amber light for the night and floor with two levels of vibration. It's also light and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet) lets your child to sleep near you during the night in their own crib. This keeps them safe from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It's important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits, and to ensure that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. If there are gaps this could increase the risk of getting trapped, which is a serious hazard. It's also important to clear the crib of any items that could pose an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Find cribs that have a mesh side panel which your child can see through, and a sturdy air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats should be placed not more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard to ensure that your baby isn't able to get out of the crib or raise 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 fantastic features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to sit up or stand. This usually occurs about 6 months old.
It's also important to pick a crib that doesn't have corner posts as they can pose a danger to your baby's safety by creating areas in which their limbs or head could be entangled. If you have a crib with these, you should consider taking them out to avoid your child getting caught in their clothes or toys. Also, be sure to keep the crib free of window blind and drape cords as your baby may get caught in them and fall off or get strangled.
If you're using a second-hand cot, check that it is still safe to use. It should not have any rough surfaces, holes or peeling paint and should be solid and in good condition with no loose parts. It is also essential to verify that the cot was taken down and painted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 may have had leaded paint, which could be toxic for babies.
Simple to Use
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot that is designed to be a safe place beside the bed of a parent and let babies sleep close to the parent without any of the risks that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). It's a great choice for parents who struggle to get out of bed in the evening for feedings and comforting, especially when they've had an uneasy birth. They can also be used as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to offer an easier and safer sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the parent's side using a strap. Some come with the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings, so they can be used with various types of beds. Some cribs come with mesh sides that improve the visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down feature that lowers or removes to allow access to the baby's bed from the parent's that aids in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to promote an easier and more natural sleeping position that is safe for babies with reflux, colic and other digestive issues. This is only done under the guidance of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size and weight "it is much larger than other Moses baskets and feels strong and sturdy - almost like an investment piece, but not so expensive as to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its ease of use particularly its swivel base she said: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to look over your babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it back."
She also liked how easy it was for her to shut and open the door, even if she was bleary-eyed at late at night. She also liked the space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also appreciated the mattress's comfort and spacious compared to some of the cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is an absolute benefit when you're exhausted from every feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be placed beside the bed of a parent. This makes it easier for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort or breastfeed. It also helps prevent baby rolling over, which can sometimes cause the suffocation. A good crib should have a side that is easily opened for mothers who are tired can open it in late at night. It should also come with a mesh window that keeps an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek, modern design 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 might need longer straps to fit your mattress. The opening side panel, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use even for parents who are new.
It's a little bulkier than other cribs, and it isn't able to fold flat. However, it's still a good enough size to fit in its convenient bag for transport when traveling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and simple controls. However, she notes that the fabric is prone to creasing when it's being pulled out of its bag to travel.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib with wheels that means it's more maneuverable, and it folds down completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, like a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It also has a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a breathable, sturdy mattress, but some moms found it a little shallower than other models. It comes with a carrying bag that is useful to keep the mattress clean and dust free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib is called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed close to your bed. It lets you view and reach your baby throughout the night, which can help with night feeds and changing nappy. It is perfect for parents who want to keep their babies close, but do not want to risk suffocation or overheating. It's also a good option for couples who don't share a room with their child.
There are many different styles to choose from. Some models have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower. This lets you be able to see and touch your child at night, but it also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to let you raise your baby and then raises automatically.
You'll also have to think about the dimensions of your bed as well as how wide or narrow you want your crib to be. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which can be crucial if space is restricted in your home. Some are larger and more durable, which is great for older children who may be starting to roll over or slouch at night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that allow for ventilation. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine washable and is fitted with a sheet that makes it easier to clean than the standard mattress for a cot. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline feature, which is useful for people suffering from reflux.
The most secure and safest cribs are those that can be attached securely to the parents' bed using straps or a locking system that secures it even when it is not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful for those with an unusually shaped bed or a divan. You may also think about a crib that has a removable 4th wall that could be used as an activity area or babysitter during the daytime.