15 Gifts For The Bedside Crib Or Cot Lover In Your Life
Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
Essentially, a bedside crib is a cot that resembles a bassinet that is attached to your bed and lets you reach your baby for evening feedings or to help soothe them to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from births via c-section.
Our parent testers have praise for the SnuzPod 4 because of its many technical features. These include an incline of reflux and a relaxing center, with an amber nightlight, as well as floor lamps with two levels of vibration. It is also light and easily moved from one room to the next.
Safety
A bedside crib, also known as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep with you at night in their crib. This keeps them safe from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding weight limits and ensure that the mattress of your child fits comfortably. It is important to avoid gaps as they could increase the risk of entrapment. This is a serious hazard. small bedside cot is also crucial to keep blankets, pillows and toys out of the crib.
Look for cribs that have an open side panel that which your child can see through, and a sturdy, flat, breathable mattress. The slats should be spaced no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard so 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 as music, rockers, and night lights. These are all wonderful features however, your baby should remain in the crib until they can stand up or sit. This usually happens about 6 months old.
You should also choose a crib that does not have corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby since they create spaces where their head and limbs may get caught. You should consider removing the posts from your crib in order to avoid your child from getting entangled with their toys or clothes. Also, ensure that you keep the crib free of drapery cords and window blinds, as your baby could become entangled in them and fall off or get strangled.
If you're using a secondhand cot, make sure it's safe to use. It shouldn't have rough surfaces or holes, or peeling paint and must be sturdy and in good condition with no loose components. It is also crucial to ensure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted, since cots made before 1973 could have lead paint on them, which is poisonous for infants.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib, also known as a cot or bassinet is designed to be positioned on top of the parent's mattress. This lets babies rest with their parents without the risk of co-sleeping. They're a good option for parents who are struggling to get up to feed their children and comforting, particularly in the event of a difficult birth. Some also double up as a Moses basket or a carrycot for infants to offer secure and flexible sleeping arrangements away from the crib.
Bedside cribs are secured to the the parent's bed using straps that secure them, and some include an adjustable base with a swivel and swivel height settings to fit different beds. A majority of cribs feature mesh sides to increase visibility and airflow. Some models have sides that can be lowered or removed to give parents direct access to their baby. This is beneficial for nighttime feedings and comforting.
Some cribs are tiltable at one end, which encourages an easier sleep position for babies with reflux or colic. However it should be done with extreme caution and only with the guidance of a medical professional.
MFM home tester Jasmine liked the size of the crib and said "it's significantly larger than most Moses baskets and feels sturdy and solid - a bit like an investment piece, but not so expensive 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 across when you want to check on baby- and when you want to go back to bed you simply pull it up."
Another thing she appreciated was the ease to shut and open the door from outside, particularly when she was exhausted in the dark. She also appreciated the space there was inside the crib for stashing blankets, nappies and other essentials. She also liked that the mattress was comfortable and was a decent size when compared to other cribs that we've tested. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable - an important benefit after a long feed!"
Portability

A crib for bed can be set right next to a parent's bed. This makes it easy for parents to reach their baby in the night to soothe or feed their baby. It also helps prevent baby falling over, which can sometimes cause the suffocation. A crib that is of good quality should have sides that can be easily opened, which makes it easy for parents who are tired in the middle of the night, and also a mesh window to monitor your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is popular because of its sleek design and affordable price. It comes in a variety of colors including gender neutral gray and wood effect. It is made to fit divan beds. However, you may require longer straps in order to match your mattress. Its side panel that opens with anti-reflux incline as well as adjustable mattress heights are all simple to use even for sleepy new parents.
It's a little heavier than some of the other crib options and it's not able to fold flat, but it's still a good size to fit into its convenient carry bag for travelling. Mum on the BabyCentre forums says it's easy to set up, with clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. However, she does mention that the fabric could get wrinkled when taken out of the bag to travel.
You could also choose the Joie Roomie Glide. It is a crib for babies that can be placed on the bed with wheels, making it more maneuverable. It also folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, including a storage shelf, 6 different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It also has a zipper-up mesh window to make cleaning easy and a sturdy, breathable mattress, although some mums found it a little shallower than other models. It comes with a carrying bag that is handy to keep the mattress clean and dust-free in storage.
Style
A bedside crib is known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit right next to your bed. It lets you view your baby's progress and be able to reach them during the night. This is helpful for night feedings and changing nappy. This makes it a great choice for parents who want to keep their baby close, but don't want to risk the dangers of bed-sharing (such as suffocation or overheating). It's also a great option for couples who don't share the bedroom with their child.
There are a number of different styles to choose from. Some have a side panel that is able to be lowered so that you can feel and touch your baby during the night, but it also prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Others have a pop-up design that lowers to let you lift your baby out and then raises automatically.
You'll also need to consider the size of your bed and the width or how narrow you would like your crib to be. Some are more slim and compact than others, which could be important if space is limited in your home. Some are larger and more robust, which is ideal for older children who may be starting to roll over or slouch at night.
Pick a crib that is breathable fabric, mesh windows and easy-to-clean surfaces. Some cribs have a mattress that is machine washable and is fitted 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 people suffering from reflux.
The most secure and safest cribs are those that can be secured to the bed of the parents, either with straps or a locking system that secures it even when it is not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is helpful when you have a peculiarly designed bed or divan. It is also possible to consider a crib with a removable 4th wall that can be used for playpen or a babysitter during the daytime.