cheap bedside cot Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that can be attached to your bed. It lets you reach your baby to feed them at night, or to soothe them to sleep. They're particularly useful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers were extremely pleased with the SnuzPod 4, with numerous technical features that are ideal for parents with busy schedules, including an incline setting for reflux and a soothing centre with amber nightlight and floorlight with two vibration levels. It is also lightweight and can be moved easily from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet for babies or a co-sleeper) lets your baby sleep close to you at night, but in their own crib, thereby keeping them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits and that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. If gaps exist, it may increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a risk that is serious. It is also essential to keep pillows, blankets, and toys away from the crib.
Search for a crib with a mesh panel on one side that is visible, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat, and breathable. The slats should be spaced not more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard to ensure that your baby cannot leave the crib or raise their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves for storing wipes and diapers as well as rockers, music, and night lights. These are all great features however, your baby should remain in the crib until they are able to stand or sit up. This usually happens about 6 months old.
It is also advisable to select a crib without corner posts. They can be dangerous for your baby because they create spaces where their limbs and heads may get trapped. You should consider removing the posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothes. Also, make sure to keep the crib clear of window blind and drape cords because your child could get caught in them and fall or be strangled.
Check that the cot is still safe to use even if you're using an old cot. It should be in good condition and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes. It is also essential to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, since older cots may have paint that has leaded on them, which is harmful to babies.
Easy of Use
A bedside crib, also known as a cot or bassinet is designed to be placed on top of the parent's mattress. This lets newborns rest with their parents without the risk of co-sleeping. They're a good option for parents who struggle to get up to feed their children and comforting, especially when they've had an uneasy birth. They can also serve as a Moses Basket or a baby carrycot to give infants an easier and safer sleeping option away from the crib.
Bedside cribs can be secured to the parent's side by a strap. Some come with an adjustable swivel and swivel settings so they can be used with different types or beds. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides that improve visibility and airflow. Some models have an option to have the side lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their child. This is useful for nighttime feedings and comforting.
Some cribs are tiltable at one end, which can encourage a more natural sleep position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This should only be done under the guidance of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home tester Jasmine loved the size of the crib - "it's much larger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels sturdy and robust - a bit like an investment piece but not so expensive that it's not affordable." She also liked how easy it was to use, especially its base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach it when you want to check on your babyand when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it up again."
Another thing she was impressed with was the ease with which it was to open and shut the door from outside, especially when you're tired and drowsy in the darkness. She also appreciated the space was available in the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also liked the mattress's comfort and spacious compared to other cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - a major bonus after a long feed!"
Portability
One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it can be positioned close to the parent's own bed and makes it simple to reach the baby at night to nurse or comfort. It can also help stop the baby from rolling over and becoming suffocated. A good crib should have a side that is easily opened, so that bleary-eyed mothers can easily open it in the middle of the night. It should also come with a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice, with its sleek design in Scandi and affordable price. It comes in a range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is specifically designed to be compatible with divan beds, however, you may need to buy longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens 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 bulkier than other crib options and it's not able to fold flat, but it's a good size to fit into its handy carry bag for travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's a breeze to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple mechanisms. She also points out that the fabric can wrinkle when it is pulled out of the bag to travel.
If you prefer, you can 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's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, including a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It comes with a mesh window that zips up for simple cleaning, and a durable mattress that is breathable. Some mums thought it was a little smaller, but. It comes with a bag for carrying which is great to keep it clean and dust-free in storage between uses.
Style
A bedside crib can also be known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed right next to your bed. It lets you view your baby and reach them during the night. This is beneficial for night feedings and changing diapers. This is ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby close but don't want to risk the dangers of bed-sharing (such as suffocation and overheating). It's also a great option for couples who don't share bedrooms with their child.
There are a number of different styles to pick from. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted to let you feel and touch your baby at night, but also stops the possibility of bed sharing. Others come with a pop-up style that lowers to let you raise your baby and then raises automatically.
It is also important to consider the dimensions of your bed and how wide or narrow you want your crib to be. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which can be important if space is restricted in your home. Some are stronger and larger, which is great for older children who may be starting to roll around or get up at night.
Pick a crib that is breathable fabric, mesh windows and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine-washable and is fitted with a sheet that is easier to keep clean than a standard crib mattress. Some also have an anti-reflux incline feature, which can be useful for those suffering from reflux.
Safest and most convenient cribs are those that can be securely attached to the bed of the parents by straps or a locking system that keeps it in place even when it is not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs to be able to work with different bed heights, which is useful for those with a divan or another unusually-shaped bed. Other features you could think about are a detachable fourth wall that can be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.