Bedside Crib Or Cot Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that attaches to your bed. It lets you reach your baby to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which comes with lots of technical features for parents with busy schedules, including an incline setting for reflux and a soothing centre with amber light for the night and floor with two levels of vibration. It's also light and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep next to you at night in their own crib. This keeps them safe from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits and make sure that your child's crib is a good fit. It is crucial to keep gaps out of the way as they increase the chance of getting trapped. This is a major hazard. It is also essential to clear the crib of any items that could pose an entrapment risk, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Find a crib that has a mesh panel on one side that is visible and a mattress that is flat, firm, and airy. The slats shouldn't be larger than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib. Many cribs have a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers aswell as rockers, music, and night lights. These are all fantastic features, but your baby should stay in the crib until they are able to stand or sit up. This usually occurs around 6 months.
It's also essential to select a crib that doesn't have corner posts as they can pose a danger to your baby by creating areas in which their limbs or head could be entangled. If you have a crib that contains these, you should consider taking them out to stop your baby from getting caught in their clothes or toys. Also, ensure that you keep the crib away from drape and window blind cords, as your baby could become entangled in them and fall or be strangled.
Verify that the cot still safe for use if you are using a used cot. It shouldn't have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and must be solid and in good condition with no loose components. It is also crucial to ensure whether the cot has been stripped down and repainted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 may have contained leaded paint, which can be toxic for babies.
Easy of Use
A bedside crib, also known as a cot or bassinet, is designed to be set close to the mattress of a parent's. This lets newborns sleep near their parents without the risk of co-sleeping. They're a great option for parents who are struggling to get up in the evening for feedings and comforting, particularly when they've had an uneasy birth. They can also be used as a Moses basket or a carrycot for infants to offer safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side with a strap. Some come with an adjustable swivel and swivel settings, which means they can be used with different types of beds. Many have mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility, too. Some models have sides that can be lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their child. This is beneficial to feed your baby at night and is a great comforter.
Some cribs tilt at one end, which encourages the most natural sleeping position for babies with reflux or colic. However it is recommended to use this method with extreme care and only with the advice of a health professional.

MFM home tester Jasmine liked the size of the crib and said "it's significantly larger than the majority of Moses baskets, and feels sturdy and robust - a bit like an investment piece but not so costly that it's impossible to afford." She also liked how easy it was to use, particularly its base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach it in case you need to check on your baby- and when you want to go back to bed you simply pull it up."
Another thing she was impressed with was how easy it was to shut and open the door from outside, especially when you're tired and drowsy in the darkness. She also liked the amount of space within the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfy and was a decent size compared to other cribs for bedside we've tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a huge plus when you're exhausted after a meal!".
Portability
One of the best things about a bedside crib is it can be set close to the parents' bed, making it easy to reach baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It also helps prevent 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 open it in middle of night. It should also come with a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek Scandi design and great price tag. It comes in a variety of colours including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is specifically designed to fit divan beds. However, you might need longer straps to match your mattress. The opening side panel and the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use even for the new parents.
It's heavier than other cribs and doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's an ideal size to fit into its handy carry bag to travel with. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says that it's a breeze to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple controls. However, she points out that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when it's being pulled out of its travel bag.
If you prefer, you can choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels, which makes it easier to manoeuvre and folds completely flat. bedside co sleeper cot is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod but it has a few extra features, like an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It also has a zip-up mesh window for easy cleaning and a sturdy, breathable mattress, although some mums found it a little shallower than other models. It comes with a carrying bag that is handy to keep the mattress dust-free and clean when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib can also be called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit close to your bed. It lets you view your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is useful for feeding at night and changing the nappy. It is perfect for parents who wish to keep their children close, but do not want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a good option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of different styles to pick from. Some have an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted to let you see and touch your baby throughout the night, but also stops accidental bed-sharing. Some pop-ups lower to let the baby to be lifted off the bed, but automatically raise it.
You'll also need to consider the size of your bed and how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which can be crucial if space is restricted in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is great for older babies who might be starting to roll over or get up in the night.
Look for a crib that is easy to clean, and has breathable fabric and mesh windows that allow for ventilation. Some cribs come with a removable mattress, which can be machine-washed and is equipped with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than the regular crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux option which can be beneficial for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and safest cribs can be attached securely to the bed of the parents by straps or a locking mechanism that holds it in place when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is helpful for those with an unusually designed bed or divan. Other features you might look at include a detachable 4th wall, which can be used as play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as a removable changing tray.