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Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that fixes to your bed and allows you to be close to your baby during night feedings or to calm them back to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from c-section births.
Our parents have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many features. It has an incline for reflux and a soothing center, which has an amber nightlight as well as floor lamps that have two levels of vibration. It is also light and easily moved from room to room.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet for babies or a co-sleeper) lets your baby rest with you at night, but in their own crib, which keeps them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits and that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. It is essential to keep gaps out of the way as they could increase the risk of getting trapped. This poses a serious risk. It's also important to keep the crib clear of objects that could create the risk of suffocation, such as blankets, pillows and toys.
Look for a crib with an open side panel that which your child can see through, and a sturdy air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable 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 stop your baby from getting out of the crib. Many cribs have a built-in changer, shelves for storing wipes and diapers aswell as rockers, music, and night lights. These are all great features however, your baby should stay in the crib until they can sit up or stand. This usually occurs around 6 months.
It's also important to pick a crib that does not have corner posts as they can pose a danger to your baby's safety because they create spaces where their head or limbs could be entangled. Consider removing these posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from getting caught with their toys or clothes. Also, ensure that you keep the crib away from drape and window blind cords as your baby may become entangled in them and fall, or even be strangled.
Check that the cot is still safe for use if you're using an old cot. It should be in good condition and sturdy, without loose pieces. It should also not have rough surfaces or holes. It is also important to check that the cot was stripped down and repainted. Cots made before 1973 may have had leaded paint, which could be harmful to babies.
Easy to Use
Bedside cribs are bassinet or cot that is that is designed to be a safe place beside the bed of a parent and let babies sleep close by without the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). These are an excellent option for parents who have a difficult getting out of the bed to feed their infant or soothe them at night, particularly after a difficult birth. Some can also serve as a Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide a more flexible and secure sleeping space away from the crib.
Bedside cribs attach securely to the the parent's bed using straps that are secure and some have an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to fit different beds. Some have mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility. Some models come with an option to have the side moved up or down to give parents the ability to see their baby. This is beneficial for nighttime feedings and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end, allowing a more natural sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. This should only be done with the guidance of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib and said "it's much larger than most Moses baskets, and feels sturdy and solid It's almost like an investment piece, but not so costly that it's unaffordable." She also liked the ease of use, particularly its pivoting base, stating: "You can just spin it around to reach over if you need to check on baby -and then when you're ready to go back to bed you simply pull it up."
Another thing she appreciated was the ease to open and shut the door from outside, especially when exhausted in the dark. She also liked the space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also loved the mattress's comfort and a good size compared to some of the cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - an important benefit after a long feed!"
Portability
One of the best things about a bedside crib is it can be set right next to the bed of the parent which makes it easy to reach baby during the night for breastfeeding or comforting. It can also help prevent the baby from falling over and suffocating. A good crib should have sides that can be opened easily, so that bleary-eyed 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 popular because of its sleek style and affordable price. It is available in a variety of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to work with divan beds however, you may require a longer strap to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. Its open side panel with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all simple to operate even for sleepy new parents.
It's a little heavier than other crib options and doesn't fold flat, but it's an ideal size to fit into its convenient bag for transport. Mum in the BabyCentre forums noted that it was easy to set up thanks to its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. However, she does mention that the fabric could get wrinkled when pulled out of the travel bag.
You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a bedside baby crib that has wheels, making it much easier to move. It can also fold completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, including a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It comes with a mesh window that zips up for simple cleaning, and a durable mattress that is breathable. Some mums found it a bit deeper, however. It comes with a carrying bag that is useful to keep the mattress dust-free and clean when it is stored.
Style
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper, is designed to be placed near your bed. It allows you to see and reach your baby at night, which helps with night feeds and nappy changes. This makes it ideal for parents who want to keep their child close but don't want to risk the dangers of bed-sharing (such as overheating or suffocation). It's also a great option for couples who don't share the bedroom with their child.
There are a number of different styles you can choose from. Some models have a side panel which can be removed. This lets you see and touch your child throughout the night, but it also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-ups lower to let the baby to be lifted off the bed, but automatically raise.
You'll need to take into account the size of your crib and your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact, which is important when you are limited on space in your home. Some are stronger and larger, which is great for older babies who could be starting to roll or pull themselves up during the night.
Pick a crib that is breathable fabric, mesh windows and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some have a removable mattress that is machine washable and comes with a sheet, which is easier to clean than the typical cot mattress. Some also have an anti-reflux incline option, which is useful for those suffering from reflux.
Safest and most convenient are cribs that can be attached securely 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 a great option when you have a peculiarly shape bed or a divan. You may also think about the crib with a removable 4th wall that can be used as playpen or a babysitter during the daytime.