Bedside crib or Cot 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 to feed them at night or soothe them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from births via c-section.

Our parents who tested it praised the SnuzPod 4, which has lots of technical features for busy new parents including a reflux incline setting and soothing centre with amber floorlight and nightlight with two vibration levels. It is also lightweight and is able to be easily moved from one room to the next.

Safety

A rocking bedside crib crib (also called a baby bassinet or co-sleeper) allows your infant to sleep with you at night but in their own crib, thereby keeping them safe from the dangers of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It's important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits and ensure that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. It is important to keep gaps out of the way as they could increase the risk of getting trapped. This is a serious danger. It is also crucial to keep pillows, blankets and toys out of the crib.

Look for a crib with a mesh side panel which your child can see through, and a sturdy, flat, breathable mattress. The slats must be no wider than 2 3/8 inch apart and the headboard must not be higher than the footboard. This will keep your child from climbing out of the crib. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves to store wipes and diapers as well as music, rockers, and night lights. These are all great features however, your baby should remain in the crib until they can sit up or stand. This usually occurs around 6 months.

It's also important to choose a crib that doesn't have corner posts, since they could pose a risk to your baby by creating areas in which their limbs or head might be trapped. Consider removing these posts from your crib to stop your child from getting caught with their toys or clothing. Also, ensure that you keep the crib free of window blind and drape cords, as your baby could become entangled in them and fall or be strangled.

If you're using a secondhand cot, check that it's safe to use. It should not have rough surfaces, holes or peeling paint and should be solid and in good condition with no loose parts. It's also important to make sure that the cot has been taken down and repainted, since older cots may have leaded paint on them, which is poisonous for infants.

Simple to Use

A bedside crib is a cot or bassinet designed to be placed safely next to the bed of a parent, allowing newborns to sleep close by without any of the dangers that come with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a great option for parents who struggle to get up in the evening for feedings and comforting, especially in the event of an uneasy birth. They can also be used as a Moses basket or a carrycot for infants to offer secure and flexible sleeping arrangements away from the crib.

bedside co sleeper cribs attach securely to the the parent's bed using straps that secure them and some have an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to work with different types of beds. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides to improve airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down feature which can be removed or lowered to allow direct access to the baby from the parent's bed, which helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.

Some cribs are tiltable at one end, which can encourage an easier sleep position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. This is only done under the supervision of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.

MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of the crib It's "it's much larger than most Moses baskets and feels sturdy and robust It's almost like an investment piece but not so costly that it's impossible to afford." She also appreciated how easy it was to use, particularly its base that swivels, and she said: "You can just spin it around to reach across when you want to check on your baby- and when you want to go back to bed you just pull it back up again."

Another thing she liked was how easy it was to open and shut the door from the outside, especially when exhausted in the dark. She also appreciated the amount of space within the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also liked how the mattress felt comfy and was a decent size compared to other bedside cribs we've tried. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a major plus in the event that you're exhausted from every meal!".

Portability

A bedside crib can be set right next to a parent's bed. This makes it easy for parents to reach their child at night to comfort or breastfeed. It also helps prevent baby rolling over, which could sometimes cause the suffocation. A high-quality crib must have sides that are open, making it easy for parents with a bleary eye at the end of the night, and a mesh window so you can keep an eye on your little one.

The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek, modern design and affordable price. It comes in a range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect and is specifically designed to be compatible with divan beds, however you might require longer straps to make it compatible with your mattress. Its opening side panel, anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights are all simple to use, even for bleary-eyed new parents.

It's heavier than other crib options, and it doesn't fold flat, but it's a good size to fit into its convenient carry bag to travel with. Mum in the BabyCentre forums commented that it was simple to set up, thanks to its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. She does point out that the fabric can get wrinkled when removed from the bag for travel.

Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot sale crib that has wheels, making it easier to manoeuvre, and it folds down completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, including a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It has a mesh window that zips up for easy cleaning, and a durable mattress that is breathable. Some mums found it a bit shallower, though. It comes with a carry bag that is ideal for keeping the mattress clean and dust free when it is stored.

Style

A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper, is made to be placed near your bed. It lets you see and reach your baby throughout the night, which is helpful with night feeds and nappy changes. This makes it a great choice for parents who want to keep their child close but don't want to risk the dangers of bed-sharing (such as suffocation or overheating). It's also a great choice for couples who do not share bedrooms with their child.

There are many different styles you can choose from. Some come with an upper and lower panel that can be lowered, which lets you feel and touch your baby during the night but still prevents accidental bed-sharing. Others come with a pop-up style that lowers to let you take your baby out of the crib, but then raises again automatically.

You'll also need to consider the size of your bed and the width or how narrow you want your crib to be. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which can be important if space is limited in your home. Some are bigger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies that may be beginning to roll over or slouch at night.

Choose a crib that is easy to clean, with breathable fabric and mesh windows which can aid in ventilation. Some cribs have a removable mattress, which can be machine-washed and is fitted with a mattress. This makes it much easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some also have an anti-reflux incline option which is beneficial for those suffering from reflux.

The most secure and reliable options are those that fasten securely to the parents' bed with straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place when in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is a great option for those with an unusually designed bed or divan. Other features you could look at include a detachable 4th wall, which could be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as a removable changing tray.