5 Laws That Anyone Working In Bedside Crib Or Cot Should Know
Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
Essentially, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to your bed and lets you be close to your baby during night feedings or to bring them to sleep. These are especially useful for mothers recovering from c section births.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which has many technical features for parents with busy schedules, including a reflux incline setting and the soothing centre that has an amber nightlight and floorlight with two vibration levels. It is also light and easily moved from one room to the next.
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 crib. This keeps them safe from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and make sure that your child's bed is a good fit. It is essential to stay clear of gaps since they increase the chance of getting trapped. This poses a serious risk. It's also important to ensure that the crib is free of items that can present an entrapment risk, such as pillows, blankets and toys.
Find a crib that has mesh panels on the side that is clear and a mattress that is firm, flat, and airy. The slats should be placed no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard to ensure that your baby cannot climb out of the crib or raise their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs have an integrated changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers night lights and music. These are all fantastic features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they can sit up or stand. This is usually about 6 months old.
It's also important to choose a crib that doesn't have corner posts as they could pose a risk to your baby's safety because they create spaces where their limbs or heads could get trapped. Consider removing cotsfortots from your crib in order to avoid your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothing. Keep the crib free of window blind cords and drape cords, as your child might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
If you're using a secondhand cot, check that it's safe to use. It must be in good shape and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It should also not have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also important to ensure whether the cot has been stripped down and painted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 could have had lead paint, which could be toxic for babies.
Ease of Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot designed to sit safely beside the parent's bed and allow newborns to sleep close by without any of the risks that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a great option for parents who struggle to get up at night for feeds and comforting, particularly when they've had a difficult birth. Some also double up as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more safe and flexible sleeping options away from the crib.
Bedside cribs fasten securely to the side of the parent's bed by straps that are secure and some come with a swivel base and adjustable height settings to fit different beds. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides to improve visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down feature that lowers or removes to allow access to the baby from the parent's bed and helps with feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to create an easier and more natural sleeping position that is safer for babies suffering from reflux, colic or other digestive issues. However, this should be used with extreme care and only with the advice of a medical professional.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size - "it is a lot larger than other Moses baskets and feels sturdy and robust - it's like an investment piece, but not too costly to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its simplicity of use and its swivel bottom and said: "You just spin it around if you need to reach over to check on your baby -and when you're ready to go back to sleep, you simply pull it back."
Another thing she liked was the ease to open and close the door from 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 essentials. She also appreciated how the mattress felt comfy and was a decent size in comparison to other bedside cribs we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is a major bonus when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
A bedside crib can be placed next to a parent's bed. This makes it easier for parents to reach their child in the night to soothe or breastfeed. It also helps prevent the baby from rolling over and suffocating. A good crib should have easily-openable sides to ensure that exhausted mothers can 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 popular because of its sleek Scandi design and affordable price. It is available in a variety of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect and is specifically designed to work with divan beds, however, you may require a longer strap to make it compatible with your mattress. Its opening side panel, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all easy to use, even for bleary-eyed new parents.
It's a bit bulkier than some of the other crib options, and it doesn't fold flat, but it's an ideal size to fit into its convenient carry bag for travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she notes that the fabric is prone to creasing when it's being pulled out of its bag for travel.
You could also choose the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib that has wheels, making it more maneuverable. It also folds completely flat. It's more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with several additional features that may appeal, including a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an optional reflux tilt. It also has a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a sturdy, breathable mattress, but some moms were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller 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 fit right 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 nappy. It is ideal for parents that want to keep their babies close, but do not want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a great choice for couples who do not share the bedroom with their child.
There are many different styles to choose from. Some come with an upper and lower panel that can be adjusted, which lets you feel and touch your baby during the night but still prevents accidental bed-sharing. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you lift your baby from the bed, but then automatically raise.
You'll have to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and less bulky which is essential in case you are restricted by space in your home. Some are bigger and more durable, which is great for older children who may be beginning to roll over or get up in the 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 fitted with a mattress. This makes it easier to clean than a standard crib mattress. Some also have an anti-reflux incline option which is useful for people suffering from reflux.
Most secure and convenient cribs are those that can be securely attached to the parents' bed by straps or a locking system that keeps it in place when not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is helpful if you have an unusually shape bed or a divan. It is also possible to consider a crib with an adjustable 4th wall that can be used for a playpen or as a babysitter during the daytime.