17 Reasons Not To Not Ignore Bedside Crib Or Cot

Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper

In essence, a bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to your bed and allows you to be close to your baby during meals at night or to calm them to sleep. They are particularly useful for mothers recovering from C-section births.

Our testers from our parent group have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many features. These include an incline of reflux and a relaxing centre, with an amber nightlight as well as floorlights with two vibration levels. It's also light and easily moves from room to room.

Safety

A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) lets your child to sleep next to you during the night in their own crib. This protects them from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits, and to ensure that your child's mattress fits snugly. It is crucial to stay clear of gaps since they increase the chance of being entangled. This is a major danger. It's also important to keep the crib clear of objects that could create the risk of suffocation, such as pillows, blankets and toys.

Look for cribs that have mesh sides that which your child can see through, and a sturdy and breathable, flat mattress. The slats should be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart and the headboard must not be higher than the footboard. This will prevent your child from getting out of the crib. Some cribs also have a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers music and night lights. These are wonderful features to have, but keep in mind that your baby must remain in their crib until they're able to sit up or stand at the age of 6 months old, at which point they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.

It is also advisable to select a crib without corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby as they create spaces where their head and limbs may get stuck. Take care to remove these posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from getting entangled with their toys or clothing. Keep the crib clear of drape cords as your baby may become entangled and fall or strangle.

Verify that the cot 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 should not have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also crucial to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted. the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have lead paint on them, which can be toxic for babies.

User-Friendliness

A bedside crib, also known as a cot or bassinet is designed to be set on top of the parent's mattress. This lets newborns rest with their parents without the risk of co-sleeping. They are a great choice for parents who have a difficult to get out of bed to feed their baby or to comfort them during the night, especially after a difficult birth. Some can also serve as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide a more flexible and secure sleeping option away from the crib.

Bedside cribs attach securely to the the parent's bed with straps that secure them and some have a swivel base and adjustable height settings to work with different types of beds. Many have mesh sides for improved airflow and visibility, too. Some models have a side that can be lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their child. This is beneficial for feeding at night and calming.

Some cribs can be tilted at one end to encourage the natural sleep position that's safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic and other digestive issues. This is only done under the guidance of a medical professional and extreme caution.

MFM home test Jasmine liked this crib's size - "it is a lot bigger than other Moses baskets and feels solid and robust - it's like an investment piece but not so expensive as to be prohibitive."  bedside crib with wheels  appreciated its simplicity of use particularly its swivel base, saying: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to check on your baby- and then when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it back."

She also appreciated how easy it was for her to open and close the door, even when she was tired at night. She also appreciated the amount of space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a good size in comparison to the cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is a major bonus when you're exhausted from every feed!"

Portability

One of the best things about a bedside crib is it can be set close to the bed of the parent which makes it easy to reach the baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It also helps prevent baby rolling over, which can occasionally lead to the suffocation. A high-quality crib should have sides that are easily opened, which makes it easy for parents who are tired during the night, and a mesh window that lets you monitor your little one.

The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its stylish Scandi design and a reasonable price. It comes in a variety of colors including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is designed to fit divan beds. However, you might require longer straps to match your mattress. The side panel that opens, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use even for the new parents.

It's a little heavier than other crib options, and it doesn't fold flat, but it's still an ideal size to fit in its handy carry bag to travel with. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. However,  bedside cot 6 months plus  notes that the fabric is prone to creasing when removed from its travel bag.

You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib equipped with wheels, which makes it much easier to move. It can also fold completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod however, it has additional features that could be appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an optional reflux tilt. It comes with a mesh window that zips up for simple cleaning, and a sturdy mattress that is breathable. Some mums thought it was a little deeper, however. It comes with a bag for carrying which is great for keeping it dust-free and clean during storage between uses.

Style

A bedside crib is also called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit right next to your bed. It lets you see and reach your baby during the night, which can help with feeding your baby at night and changing nappy. This is ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby close, but don't want to risk the dangers of sharing a bed (such as suffocation and overheating). It's also a great choice for couples who don't share bedrooms with their child.

There are a variety of designs available. Some have an upper and lower panel that is able to be lowered to let you be able to touch and see your baby during the night, but it also prevents accidental bed-sharing. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you lift your baby from the bed, and then automatically raise it.

You'll also need to consider the size of your bed and the width or how narrow you want your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which could be crucial if space is restricted in your home. Some are larger and more durable, which is great for older children who may be starting to roll over or get up at night.

Choose a crib with mesh windows, breathable fabric and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some have a removable mattress that can be washed in the machine and comes with a sheet, which makes it easier to clean than the typical mattress for a cot. Some also have an anti-reflux incline option, which is useful for people suffering from reflux.

Most secure and convenient are cribs that can be secured to the bed of the parents by straps or a locking mechanism that holds it in place even when it is not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful if you have an unusually designed bed or divan. You might also consider the crib with a removable 4th wall that can be used for playpen or a babysitter during the day.