10 Failing Answers To Common Bedside Crib Or Cot Questions: Do You Know The Correct Ones?
Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
In essence, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to your bed and allows you to be close to your baby during night feedings or to soothe them back to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from births via c-section.
Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which has lots of technical features for busy new parents including the ability to set incline for reflux as well as a soothing centre with amber light for the night and floor with 2 vibration levels. It's also lightweight and can be moved easily from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or baby bassinet) lets your baby rest with you at night but in their own crib, thereby keeping them safe from the risk of overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is important to adhere to the guidelines of the manufacturer for weight limits and that your child's mattress fits snugly. It is crucial to avoid gaps as they increase the chance of entrapment. This is a major danger. It is also essential to keep the crib clear of any items that could pose a suffocation hazard, including blankets, pillows and toys.
Find a crib that has a mesh panel on the side that is clear, and a firm mattress that is firm, flat and breathable. The slats must be spaced at a minimum of 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your child is unable to get out of the crib or put their head over the footboard. Many cribs have a built-in changer, shelves for storing wipes and diapers aswell with music, rockers and night lights. These are fantastic features to have but remember that your baby should remain in their own crib until they're able to stand or sit at the age of 6 months, when they're able to sleep in a different crib.
It's also essential to select a crib that does not have corner posts, as these could pose a risk to your baby's safety by creating spaces where their head or limbs could get trapped. If you have a crib that contains corner posts, think about removing them to avoid your child getting caught in their clothes or toys. Also, be sure to keep the crib clear of window blind and drape cords, as your baby could become entangled and fall, or even be strangled.
Make sure that the cot is still safe to use if you're using a used cot. It should not have rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and must be sturdy and in good condition with no loose parts. It is also crucial to check that the cot was taken down and painted. Cots manufactured prior to 1973 may have had leaded paint, which can be dangerous for infants.
User-Friendliness
A bedside crib, also referred to as a cot or bassinet is designed to be set next to a parent's mattress. This lets babies rest with their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. They're a good option for parents who find it difficult to get up in the evening for feedings and comforting, especially when they've had a difficult birth. They can also be used as a Moses basket or infant carrycot for more secure and flexible sleeping arrangements away from the crib.
Bedside cribs fasten securely to the side of the parent's bed using straps that are secure and some have an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to work with different types of beds. Some cribs come with mesh sides that improve visibility and airflow. Some have a drop-down feature that lowers or removes to allow direct access to the baby's bed from the parent's and helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted at one end to promote an easier and more natural sleeping position that's safer for babies with reflux, colic and other digestive issues. This should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional and with extreme caution.
MFM home test Jasmine liked the size of the crib - "it's much larger than most Moses baskets, and feels solid and sturdy It's almost like an investment piece, but not so expensive that it's not affordable." 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 it if you need to check on your baby- and when you want to go back to sleep, you just pull it back up."
She also liked how easy it was for her to open and close the door, even if she was bleary-eyed at the end of the night. She also appreciated the amount of space within the crib to store nappies, blankets, and other essentials. She also appreciated how the mattress felt comfortable and that it was a decent size compared to other cribs for bedside we tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets can be washed easily - which is a major plus in the event that you're exhausted from every feed!".
Portability
One of the most appealing aspects about a crib that is bedside is it can be set near the parents' bed and makes it simple to reach the baby at night for feeding or to comfort. It also can help to prevent the baby from rolling over and becoming suffocated. A crib that is safe should have sides that can be opened easily for mothers who are tired can open it in the middle of the night. It should also have a mesh window to keep an eye on the baby.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek design and low cost. It is available in a variety of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect, and is specifically designed to work with divan beds, although you may require longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. The side panel that opens and the anti-reflux incline and adjustable mattress heights make it easy to use, even for new parents.
It's a little heavier than some of the other crib options and doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's still an ideal size to fit in its handy bag for transport. Mum on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's a breeze to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple mechanisms. However, she notes that the fabric is prone to creasing when it's being removed from its travel bag.
If you prefer, you can choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside cot with wheels, making it easier to manoeuvre, and it folds down completely flat. It's a little pricier than the SnuzPod however it comes with several additional features that may make it more appealing, such as a storage shelf, six height adjustments, and an additional reflux tilt. It has a mesh window which zips up for easy cleaning, and a solid mattress with breathable air. Some moms found it a bit smaller, but. It comes with a carry bag that is helpful for keeping it dust-free and clean in storage between use.
Style
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a co-sleeper, is designed to fit by your bed. It lets you see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. twin bedside cot is useful for night feedings and changing diapers. It is ideal for parents who want to keep their children close, but do not want to risk suffocation or overheating. It's also a great option for couples who do not share bedrooms with their child.
There are a variety of styles available. Some have a side panel that can be adjusted, which lets you be able to touch and see your baby at night but still prevents accidental bed-sharing. Some pop-ups lower to let you lift your baby from the bed, but then automatically raise again.
You'll have to take into account the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact and are ideal when you are limited on space in your home. Some are bigger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies who might be starting to roll over or get up at night.
Choose bedside co sleeper cot with breathable fabric, mesh windows and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs come with a removable mattress, which can be washed in the machine and fitted with a mattress. This makes it easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option, which is useful for those suffering from reflux.
The most secure and reliable alternatives are those that attach securely to the parents' bed with straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place when in use. Some cribs also come with adjustable legs that can be able to work with different bed heights, which can be helpful if you have a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. 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 an adjustable changing tray.