10 Wrong Answers To Common Bedside Crib Or Cot Questions: Do You Know The Correct Answers?
Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that can be attached to your bed. It lets you reach your baby's side to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from c-section births.
Our testers from our parent group have praise for the SnuzPod 4 because of its numerous technical features. They include an incline of reflux and a relaxing centre, with an amber nightlight, as well as floor lamps with two levels of vibration. It's also lightweight and can easily be moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep next to you during the night in their own crib. This keeps them safe from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits and that your child's mattress fits snugly. It is important to stay clear of gaps since they could increase the risk of getting trapped. This is a major hazard. It is also important to keep blankets, pillows and toys from the crib.
Find a crib that has mesh panels on the side that you can see through, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat and airy. The slats must be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will prevent your baby from climbing out of the crib. Many models come with a built-in changer, shelves for storing diapers and wipes as well as music, rockers, and night lights. These are great features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should stay in their own crib until they are able to stand or sit up at around 6 months old, at which point they'll be able to safely sleep elsewhere.
It's also important to choose a crib that doesn't have corner posts, as these can pose a danger to your baby's safety by creating spaces where their head or limbs might be trapped. Consider removing the posts from your crib to stop your child from getting caught with their toys or clothing. Keep the crib free of window blind cords and drape cords as your baby may become entangled and fall or strangle.
If you're using a second-hand cot, ensure that it's still safe to use. It should not have rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and should be solid and in good condition with no loose parts. It's also important to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, as older cots may have leaded paint on them, which can be poisonous for infants.
Simple to Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot designed to be placed safely next to the parent's bed and allow newborns to rest close to their parents without the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They are a great choice for parents who have a difficult to get out of the bed to feed their child or to comfort them during the night, particularly after a difficult birth. They can also double 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 the parent's bed by a secure strap and some have an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to work with various types of beds. Many come with mesh sides for improved airflow and visibility, too. Some have a drop-down side that can be lowered or removed for easy access to the baby from the parent's bed and helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs are tiltable at one end, which can encourage an easier sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. This should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the size of the crib - "it's significantly larger than the majority of Moses baskets, and it feels sturdy and robust It's almost like an investment piece, but not so costly that it's unaffordable." She also appreciated the ease of use, particularly its swivel base, saying: "You can just spin it around to reach over in case you need to check on baby- and when you want to go back to sleep, you can simply pull it up."
Another thing she liked was the ease to open and close the door from the outside, especially when you're tired and drowsy in the darkness. She also appreciated the space inside the crib to store blankets, nappies and other necessities. She also appreciated how the mattress felt comfortable and that it was a decent size in comparison to other bedside cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets are easily washable - which is an important benefit when you're exhausted after a feed!".
Portability
A crib for bed can be set right beside the bed of a parent. This makes it easy for parents to reach their baby at night to comfort or feed their baby. It also helps prevent the baby from falling over and suffocating. A crib that is safe should have a side that is easily opened for mothers who are tired can easily open it in the middle of night. It should also come with a mesh window that keeps an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek design in Scandi and great price tag. It is available in a variety 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 ensure it is compatible with your mattress. The opening side panel, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use, even for new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than some of the other crib options and it's not able to fold completely flat, but it's still adequate to fit into its handy carry bag for travelling. Moms on the BabyCentre forums commented it was easy to set up, thanks to its clear instructions and simple mechanism. She also points out that the fabric could get wrinkled when taken out of the travel bag.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib equipped with wheels, which makes it more maneuverable. It can also fold completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, like an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and an option to reflux inclined. It comes with a mesh window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a sturdy mattress that is breathable. Some mothers considered it to be a bit shallower, though. It comes with a bag for carrying which is great for keeping it clean and dust-free in storage between uses.
Style
A bedside crib is known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed close to your bed. It lets you view your baby and reach them during the night. This is helpful for feeding at night and changing the nappy. It is perfect for parents who want to keep their children close but do not want to risk drowning or overheating. bedside cot used cots4tots is also a good option for couples who don't share a room with their child.
There are many different designs available. Some have a side panel that is able to be lowered, which lets you see and touch your baby throughout the night, but it also prevents accidental bed-sharing. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to allow you to take your baby out of the crib but then raises automatically.
You'll also need to consider the dimensions of your bed and how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky and are ideal when you are limited on space in your home. Some are stronger and larger, which is great for older babies who might be starting to roll around or pull themselves up during the night.
Choose a crib with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs have a removable mattress, which can be machine-washed and is fitted with a mattress. This makes it easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some come with an anti-reflux option that can be helpful for those suffering from reflux.

Most secure and convenient cribs are those that can be securely attached to the bed of the parents, either with straps or a locking system 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 shape bed or a divan. You might also consider a crib that has a removable 4th wall that can be used as playpen or a babysitter during the day.