Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper

A bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to your bed and allows you to access your baby for evening feedings or to help calm them to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from births via c-section.

Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, with numerous technical features that are ideal 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 or cot crib (also known as a baby bedside co sleeper bassinet or co-sleeper) 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 essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits, and to ensure that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. If gaps exist this could increase the risk of being entangled, which is a serious hazard. It is also essential to ensure that the crib is free of items that can present the risk of suffocation, such as pillows, blankets and toys.

Find a crib with a mesh side panel which your child can see through and a firm, flat, breathable mattress. The slats should be placed at a minimum of 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby isn't able to climb out of the crib or raise their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs have a built-in changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers music and night lights. These are wonderful features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should stay in their own crib until they're able to sit up or stand, around six months, when they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.

It is also recommended to choose a crib without corner posts. They can be dangerous for your baby as they create spaces in which their limbs and head may get stuck. You should consider removing these posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothing. Keep the crib free of drape cords, as your child might get caught in them and fall or strangle.

If you're using a secondhand cot, check that it's safe to use. It should be in good working order and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also important to ensure that the cot was taken down and repainted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 may have had leaded paint, which can be toxic for babies.

Easy of Use

A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot that is designed to be a safe place beside a parent's bed and allow newborns to rest close to their parents without any of the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a great option for parents who find it difficult to get out of bed at night for feeds and comforting, particularly when they've had a difficult birth. 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 cot wooden cribs are secured to the side of the parent's bed by a secure strap and some have an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to fit different beds. Some cribs come with mesh sides that improve airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down feature which can be removed or lowered for easy access to the baby from the bed of the parent, which helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.

Some cribs can be tilted to one end to encourage a more natural sleeping position that is safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic or other digestive issues. This should only be done with the guidance of a medical professional and extreme caution.

MFM home test Jasmine liked the size of the crib - "it's a lot bigger than most Moses baskets, and it feels solid and sturdy - a bit like an investment piece but not so expensive that it's not affordable." She also appreciated the ease of use, particularly the swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach over in case you need to check on babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, you just pull it back up again."

Another thing she liked was how easy 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 enjoyed how much space there was in the crib to store blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also appreciated how the mattress was comfortable and that it was a decent size in comparison to other bedside crib Or cot cribs we tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets are easily washable - which is a major plus when you're exhausted after every meal!".

Portability

One of the best things about a crib that is bedside cots is that it can be placed right next to the bed of the parent and makes it simple to reach baby during the night for feeding or to comfort. It can also help keep the baby from falling over and suffocating. A high-quality crib should have sides that are easily opened, which makes it easy for parents with a bleary eye during the night, and a mesh window to monitor your child.

The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek Scandi design and low cost. It comes in a variety of colors including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is designed to fit divan beds. However, you may need longer straps to match your mattress. The side panel that opens and the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use, even for new parents.

It's a bit bulkier than other crib options and doesn't fold completely flat, but it's adequate to fit in its handy bag for transport. Mom on the BabyCentre forums says that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple controls. However, she warns that the fabric is prone to creasing when pulled out of its bag for travel.

Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib that has wheels, making it more manageable and folds completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod however it comes with several additional features that may make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an optional reflux incline. It also has a mesh-lined window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a solid mattress that is breathable. Some mums considered it to be a bit deeper, however. It comes with a carry bag that is ideal to keep the mattress clean and dust free in storage.

Style

A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper, is made to fit by your bed. It lets you view your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is beneficial for feeding at night and changing the nappy. This makes it ideal for parents who wish to keep their child 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 designs available. Some have a side panel that is able to be lowered so that you can see and touch your baby at night, but also stops the possibility of bed sharing. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you lift your baby from the bed, but then automatically raise again.

You'll also need to consider the dimensions of your bed and how wide or narrow you want your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and more compact and are ideal in case you are restricted by space in your home. Some are stronger and larger which is ideal for older babies who might be starting to roll around or get up at night.

Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs have a mattress that can be washed in the machine and is fitted with a sheet, which is easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some also have an anti-reflux incline feature, which can be useful for reflux sufferers.

Safest and most convenient cribs can be securely attached to the bed of the parents by 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 a great option when you have a peculiarly shape bed or a divan. You might also consider a crib with a fourth wall that is removable and can be used as playpen or a babysitter during the day.