These Are The Most Common Mistakes People Make With Bedside Crib Or Cot

Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper

A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that is attached to your bed and allows you to be close to your baby during evening feedings or to help soothe them back to sleep. These are especially useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.

Our parent testers have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its numerous technical features. These include an incline of reflux and a relaxing centre, with an amber nightlight and floorlights with two vibration levels. It is also light and is able to be easily moved from one room to the next.

Safety

A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or baby bassinet) lets your baby 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 manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits, and to ensure that your child's mattress is snugly fitted. If there are gaps this could increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a danger. It is also crucial to keep blankets, pillows, and toys away from the crib.

Find a crib that has mesh sides that you can see your child through, as well as a firm air-conditioned, flat, and comfortable mattress. The slats must be spaced not more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby cannot get out of the crib or put their head over the footboard. Many models come with a built-in changer, shelves to store diapers and wipes as well as music, rockers, and night lights. These are fantastic features to have but remember that your baby must remain in their crib until they're able to stand or sit up at the age of 6 months old, at which point they can safely sleep elsewhere.

It's also essential to select a crib without corner posts as they could pose a risk to your baby because they create spaces where their head or limbs could get trapped. Take care to remove these posts from your crib to prevent your child from becoming entangled with their toys or clothing. Keep the crib clear of window blind cords and drape cords as your baby might get caught in them and fall or strangle.

If you're using an old cot, make sure it is still safe to use. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and must be sturdy and in good condition with no loose components. It is also essential to ensure that the cot was taken down and repainted. Cots that were made prior to 1973 may have had leaded paint, which is dangerous for infants.

User-Friendliness

Bedside cribs are cot or bassinet designed to be placed safely next to a parent's bed and allow newborns to rest close to their parents without any of the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a good 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 serve as an infant Moses Basket or a baby carrycot to give infants a more flexible and safe sleeping option away from the crib.

Bedside cribs fasten securely to the side of the parent's bed using straps that secure them and some come with the ability to swivel their base and adjust height settings that can be used with different types of beds. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility. Some have a drop-down side that lowers or removes for easy access to the baby's bed from the parent's that aids with feeding at night and calming.

Some cribs are tiltable at one end, which encourages a more natural sleep position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However it should be done with extreme caution and only with the guidance of a health professional.

MFM home tester Jasmine loved the size of this crib - "it's a lot bigger than the majority of Moses baskets, and it feels sturdy and solid it's a bit like an investment piece, but not so expensive that it's not affordable." 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 then when you're ready to go back to bed you simply pull it up again."

She also liked how simple it was for her to open and close the door, even when she was bleary-eyed at night. She also enjoyed how much space was available inside the crib for stashing nappies, blankets, and other necessities. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a good size in comparison to some of the cribs we looked at. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - a major bonus when you're exhausted from every feed!"

Portability

One of the most appealing aspects about a crib for bed is that it can be placed close to the parent's own bed, making it easy to reach baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It also assists in preventing baby from rolling over, which could often lead to the suffocation. A high-quality crib should have sides that can be open, making it easy for parents with a bleary eye in the middle of the night, and a mesh window so you can keep an eye on your little one.

The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek design in Scandi and affordable price. It comes in a variety of colours including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is designed to fit divan beds. However, you may need longer straps to fit your mattress. The side panel that opens as well as the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use even for the new parents.

It's a bit bulkier than other cribs and it's not able to fold flat, but it's still adequate to fit in its handy carry bag to travel with. Mum in the BabyCentre forums commented it was easy to set up thanks to its simple instructions and easy to use mechanism. However, she points out that the fabric is prone to creasing when it's being pulled out of its bag to travel.

You could also consider the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed equipped with wheels, which makes it much easier to move. It can also fold completely flat. It is a little more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, such as an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It comes with a mesh window that zips up for simple cleaning, and a sturdy mattress with breathable air. Some mums thought it was a little shallower, though. It comes with a carrying bag that is ideal for keeping the mattress dust-free and clean in storage.

Style

A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper, was designed to fit by your bed. It allows you to see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is beneficial for night feedings and changing diapers. It is ideal for parents who wish to keep their children close but do not want to risk suffocation and overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.

There are a number of different styles you can choose from. Some models feature a side panel which can be adjusted to lower. This allows you to be able to see and touch your child throughout the night, but it also prevents accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower to allow you to lift your baby off the bed, but then automatically raise it.

You'll also have to think about the dimensions of your bed and how wide or narrow you would like your crib to be. Some cribs are smaller and more compact which is essential in case you are restricted by space in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies who might be beginning to roll over or pull themselves up in the night.

Choose a crib that is easy to clean, with breathable fabric and mesh windows that can help with ventilation. Some have a removable mattress that can be washed in the machine and fitted with a sheet, which is easier to keep clean than the typical crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux option which can be beneficial for those suffering from reflux.

The most secure and reliable alternatives are those that attach securely to the bed of your parents with straps or an locking mechanism that holds it in place even when not in use.  Cots For Tots  come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful if you have an unusually designed bed or 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.