Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that can be attached to your bed and allows you to be close to your baby during meals at night or to bring them back to sleep. They are particularly useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, with lots of technical features for parents with busy schedules, including a reflux incline setting and the soothing centre that has an amber floorlight and nightlight with two vibration levels. bedside crib that turns into cot 's also lightweight and easily moves from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or baby bassinet) lets your baby sleep close to you at night, but in their own crib, keeping them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding weight limits, and make sure that your child's crib is a good fit. It is important to keep gaps out of the way as they could increase the risk of being entangled. This is a major risk. It is also crucial to keep blankets, pillows and toys out of the crib.
Find a crib that has a mesh panel on one side that is visible, and a firm mattress that is flat, firm and breathable. The slats must be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib. Many models also feature an integrated changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers, lighting for night and music. These are all fantastic features, but your baby should remain in the crib until they can stand up or sit. This usually occurs around 6 months.
It's also important to choose a crib that doesn't have corner posts, since they can be dangerous to your baby by creating areas where their limbs or heads could be entangled. If you have a crib that contains corner posts, think about removing them to prevent your baby from becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Also, ensure that you keep the crib clear of drape and window blind cords because your child could become entangled in them and fall, or even be strangled.
If you're using an old cot, check that it's still safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and should be sturdy and in good condition with no loose components. It is also crucial to verify that the cot was taken down and repainted. Cots made before 1973 may have contained leaded paint, which could be harmful to babies.
Ease of Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot that is designed to be a safe place beside the bed of a parent and allow newborns to rest close to their parents without the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are a great option for parents who have a hard getting out of the bed to feed their child or comfort them at night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also be used as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more comfortable and safe sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the the parent's bed by straps that are secure and some have an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to work with various types of beds. Some have mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down feature that lowers or removes to allow access to the baby from the bed of the parent and helps with feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to encourage a more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies with reflux, colic, and other digestive issues. This should only be done with the guidance of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size - "it is much larger than most Moses baskets and feels strong and sturdy - almost like an investment piece but not too costly to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use particularly its swivel base she said: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to check on your baby -and then, when you're ready to go back to sleep, you just pull it back."
Another thing she was impressed with was how easy it was to shut and open the door from the outside, especially when bleary-eyed in the dark. She also appreciated the space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies, and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress felt comfy and was a decent size when compared to other bedside cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets are washable, which is an important benefit when you're exhausted after a meal!".
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a bedside crib is that it can be placed near the parent's own bed, making it easy to reach the baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It can also help keep the baby from falling over and suffocating. A good crib should have a side that is easily opened to ensure that exhausted mothers can open it in middle of night. It should also come with a mesh window that keeps an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek Scandi design and great price tag. It is available in a variety of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect and is specifically designed to work with divan beds, however, you may require longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use, even for new parents.
It's a little heavier than other crib options and doesn't fold flat, but it's adequate to fit in its handy carry bag to travel with. Mum in the BabyCentre forums noted that it was simple to set up thanks to its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. However, she does mention that the fabric may wrinkle when it is removed from the bag for travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib that is placed at the bedside that has wheels, making it much easier to move. It also folds completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod but it has a few extra features, like a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It comes with a mesh window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a durable mattress with breathable air. Some mums thought it was a little smaller, but. It comes with a carry bag that is useful for keeping the mattress clean and dust free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib is also called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to fit next to your bed. It lets you view your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is useful to feed your baby at night and change the diapers. This makes it ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby close, but don't want to take on the dangers of sharing a bed (such as suffocation and overheating). It's also a great choice for couples who don't share a bedroom with their child.
There are a variety of styles to choose from. Some have a side panel that can be lowered to let you see and touch your baby at night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Others come with a pop-up style that lowers to let you take your baby out of the crib but then raises automatically.
You'll also have to think about the dimensions of your bed and the width or how narrow you want your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky which is essential if you have limited space in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is great for older babies who might be beginning to roll over or slouch at night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs come with a removable mattress, which can be machine-washed and equipped with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some models have an anti-reflux feature that can be helpful for those suffering from reflux.

Most secure and convenient cribs are those that can be secured to the bed of the parents using straps or a locking mechanism that secures it when not in use. Some cribs also have adjustable legs to accommodate different bed heights. This is useful if you have a divan or another unusually-shaped bed. It is also possible to consider a crib that has a fourth wall that is removable and can be used as an activity area or babysitter during the day.