The 10 Most Scariest Things About Bedside Crib Or Cot
bedside crib and cot Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that fixes to your bed and allows you to access your baby for meals at night or to soothe them back 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 with busy schedules, including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a calm centre with amber floorlight and nightlight with two vibration levels. It is also light and is able to be easily moved from room to room.
Safety
A large bedside crib crib, also referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet) allows your baby to sleep next to you during the night in their own crib. This helps to protect them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits and make sure that your child's crib is a good fit. If gaps exist this could increase the risk of getting trapped, which is a danger. It's also important to ensure that the crib is free of any items that could pose an entrapment risk, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Look for cribs that have mesh sides that which your child can see through and a firm, flat, breathable mattress. The slats must be no larger than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard must not be higher than the footboard. This will keep your baby from climbing out of the crib. 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 fantastic features however, your baby should remain in the crib until they are able to stand or sit up. This is usually about 6 months old.
It is also recommended to choose a crib without corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby because they create spaces where their head and limbs might be trapped. If you have a crib that contains corner posts, think about removing them to prevent 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 may become entangled in them and fall off or get strangled.
If you're using an old cot, check that it's still safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces, holes or peeling paint and must be sturdy and in good condition with no loose components. It's also important to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted. older cots may have paint that has leaded on them, which can be harmful to babies.
Easy of Use
A bedside crib is a bassinet or cot that is designed to sit safely beside a parent's bed and allow newborns to sleep close by without any of the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a great option for parents who find it difficult to get up to feed their children and comforting, particularly if they've had a difficult birth. They are also used as a Moses Basket or a baby carrycot to give infants a more flexible and secure sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs fasten securely to the side of the parent's bed using straps that are secure and some have an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to fit different types of beds. Many have mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility, too. Some models come with a side that can be moved up or down to give parents direct access to their baby. This is beneficial for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, allowing an easier sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. However, this should be used with extreme care and only with the guidance of a medical professional.
MFM home tester Jasmine loved the size of this crib - "it's significantly larger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels solid and sturdy it's a bit like an investment piece, but not so costly that it's unaffordable." She also liked the ease of use, particularly the base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach it in case you need to check on baby -and then when you're ready to go back to bed you simply pull it up."
Another thing she liked was how easy it was to shut and open the door from outside, particularly when she was exhausted in the dark. She also appreciated the amount of space there was inside the crib for stashing nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and spacious compared to the cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus, the sheets are easily washable - which is a major plus when you're exhausted after every feed!".
Portability
One of the great things about a bedside crib is that it can be positioned right next to the parent's own bed, making it easy to reach the baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It also helps stop the baby from rolling over and becoming suffocated. A good quality crib should have sides that are easily opened, which makes it easy for parents with a bleary eye in the middle of the night, and 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 range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is specifically designed to be compatible with divan beds, although you may require longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. Its side panel that opens, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all easy to operate even for tired new parents.
It's heavier than other crib options, and it doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's still an ideal size to fit into its convenient carry bag for travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's easy to set up, with clear instructions and simple mechanisms. She does point out that the fabric may get wrinkled when taken out of the bag to travel cot bedside.
You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed that has wheels, making it much easier to move. It also folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with several additional features that may be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments and an optional reflux tilt. It also has a zipper-up mesh window for easy cleaning and a breathable, sturdy mattress, although some mums were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other models. It comes with a carry bag that is handy for keeping the mattress clean and dust-free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib is called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit next to your bed. It lets you view and reach your baby during the night, which can help with feedings at night and nappy changes. This makes it ideal for parents who wish to keep their child close but don't want to take on the dangers of sharing a bed (such as overheating or suffocation). It's also a great choice for couples who don't share bedrooms with their child.
There are a number of different styles you can choose from. Some models come with an upper and lower panel that can be lowered. This lets you feel and see your child throughout the night, but prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some have a pop-up design that lowers to allow you to lift your baby out but then raises automatically.
You'll have to consider the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and compact and are ideal if you have limited space in your home. Others are more robust and larger and are great for older children who may be beginning to roll or pull themselves up during the night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned surfaces. Some have a removable mattress that is machine-washable and is fitted with a sheet that is easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline option, which can be useful for those suffering from reflux.
Safest and most convenient cribs can be attached securely to the bed of the parents using straps or a locking system that holds it in place 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 to consider include a detachable 4th wall, which can be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.