Bedside Crib Or Cot: 11 Things You're Not Doing
Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet type cot that can be attached to your bed. It allows you to reach your baby's mouth to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from births via c-section.
Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which has lots of technical features for parents with busy schedules, including an incline setting for reflux and a soothing centre with amber floorlight and nightlight with two levels of vibration. bedside crib or cot is also lightweight and can be moved easily from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) allows your infant to rest with you at night, but in their own crib, keeping them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits, and to ensure that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. It is crucial to keep gaps out of the way as they increase the chance of entrapment. This is a major risk. It is also crucial to keep pillows, blankets and toys from the crib.
Find cribs that have mesh sides that you can see your child through, as well as a firm air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats shouldn't be more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will prevent your baby from getting out of the crib. Some cribs also have an integrated 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 stand or sit, around 6 months, when they're able to sleep in a different crib.
It is also recommended to choose a crib with no corner posts. They can be dangerous for your baby since they create spaces in which their limbs and head might be stuck. Consider removing the posts from your crib to prevent your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothes. Keep the crib free of window blind cords and drape cords since your baby might get caught in them and fall or strangle.
Verify that the cot still safe for use even if you're using a cot that is used. It should be in good working order and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It shouldn't have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also essential to make sure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, since the cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have lead paint on them, which can be harmful to 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 allows newborns to rest with their parents without the risk of co-sleeping. They're a great option for parents who struggle to get out of bed in the evening for feedings and comforting, especially in the event of a difficult birth. Some are also used as an infant Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide an easier and safer sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the the parent's bed using straps that are secure, and some include an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings that can be used with various types of beds. Many come with mesh sides for improved airflow and visibility. Some models come with an option to have the side lower or removed to allow parents direct access to their baby. This is beneficial for feeding at night and calming.
Some cribs can be tilted to one end to promote the natural sleep position that's safer for babies with reflux, colic and other digestive issues. However it should be done with extreme caution and only with the advice of a health professional.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the size of this crib and said "it's much larger than most 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 appreciated how easy it was to use, particularly its pivoting base, stating: "You can just spin it around to reach it if you need to check on baby -and when you're ready to go back to bed you simply pull it up."
Another thing she appreciated was the ease to open and close the door from outside, especially when bleary-eyed in the dark. She also enjoyed how much space was available within the crib to store blankets, nappies and other essentials. bedside crib or cot appreciated how the mattress felt comfortable and was a decent size when compared to other bedside cribs we tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable. This is a major bonus when you're exhausted from every feed!"
4-in-1 bedside crib can be placed right beside the bed of a parent. This makes it easy for parents to reach their child at night to comfort them or breastfeed. It also helps prevent the baby from falling over and becoming suffocated. A good quality crib should have sides that can be open, making it easy for parents who are tired during the night, and also a mesh window that lets you keep an eye on your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular choice due to its sleek Scandi design and a reasonable price. It is available in a range of colors including gender-neutral gray and wood effect. It is designed to fit divan beds. However, you may require longer straps in order to fit your mattress. Its opening side panel with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all simple to use even for tired new parents.
It's a bit heavier than other cribs, and it isn't able to fold flat. But it's still a good enough size to fit in its handy carry bag when travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's a breeze to set up, with clear instructions and simple controls. However, she warns that the fabric is prone to creasing when it's being pulled out of its bag to travel.
Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib that has wheels that means it's easier to manoeuvre, and it folds down completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod however, it has several additional features that may make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an optional reflux incline. It also has a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a durable, breathable mattress, although some mums found it a little shallower than other models. It comes with a bag for carrying that is helpful for keeping it dust-free and clean in storage between uses.
Style
A bedside crib can also be called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to be placed close to your bed. It lets you see and reach your baby during the night, which can help with feeding your baby at night and nappy changes. This makes it a great choice for parents who want to keep their baby close, but don't want the dangers of sharing a room with a child (such as suffocation and overheating). It's also a great option for couples who do not share bedrooms with their child.
There are a variety of different styles you can choose from. Some models come with an upper and lower panel that can be lowered. This allows you to see and touch your child during the night, but prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower so that you lift your baby from the bed, and then automatically raise it.
It is also important to consider the dimensions of your bed as well as how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which may be important if space restricted in your home. Some are stronger and larger and are great for older babies who could be beginning to roll or climb up at night.
Find a crib that is easy to clean, and has breathable fabric and mesh windows that allow for ventilation. Some cribs come with an adjustable mattress that can be washed in the machine and fitted with a mattress. This makes it easier to clean than a regular crib mattress. Some also come with an anti-reflux incline option, which can be useful for reflux sufferers.
The most secure and practical alternatives are those that attach securely to the parents' bed with straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place even when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be able to work with different bed heights. This is useful for those with a divan or another unusually-shaped bed. Other features you might think about are a detachable fourth wall, which can be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, and an adjustable changing tray.