Jonathon Lawrence

best bedside cot for newborn Crib Or Co-Sleeper

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 evening feedings or to help bring them back to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from c-section births.

Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which has lots of technical features for parents who are busy, including a reflux incline setting and soothing centre with amber light for the night and floor with two vibration levels. It's also light and can easily be moved from room to room.

Safety

A bedside crib, also referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) allows your baby to sleep with you during the night in their crib. This protects them from overheating or 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. If there are gaps they could increase the risk of entrapment, which is another risk that is serious. It is also essential to keep the crib clear of items that can present a suffocation hazard, including pillows, blankets and toys.

Look for cribs that have a mesh side panel you can see your child 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 that your child is unable to get out of the crib or reach their head over the footboard. Many models also feature a built-in changing table, shelves for storing diapers and wipes, rockers night lights and music. These are great features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should remain in their own crib until they are able to stand or sit up at the age of 6 months old, at which point they're able to sleep in a different crib.

It's also essential to select a crib without corner posts, since they can pose a danger to your baby because they create spaces where their head or limbs might be trapped. If you have a crib with these, consider removing them to prevent your baby from becoming entangled in their clothing or toys. Keep the crib clear of drape cords, as your child may become entangled and fall or strangle.

Check that the cot is still safe for use if you are using a used cot. It should be in good condition and sturdy, with no loose pieces. It should not have any rough surfaces or holes. It is also crucial to ensure that the cot was taken down and painted. Cots made before 1973 may have contained leaded paint, which could be toxic for babies.

Easy of Use

bedside crib travel cot cribs are cot or bassinet designed to be placed safely next to a parent's bed, allowing newborns to rest close to their parents without any of the risks associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They're a great option for parents who struggle to get out of bed at night for feeds and comforting, particularly in the event of an uneasy birth. They can also serve as an infant Moses Basket or infant carrycot to provide a more flexible and safe sleeping option away from the crib.

Bedside cribs attach securely to the parent's side by straps. Some have an adjustable swivel and swivel settings so they can be used with various types of beds. Many cribs have mesh sides to increase airflow and visibility. Some models have an option to have the side lower or removed to allow parents direct access to their baby. This is useful for nighttime feedings and comforting.

Some cribs tilt at one end, which encourages the most natural sleeping position for babies with reflux or colic. This is only done under the supervision of an experienced medical professional and with extreme caution.

MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size - "it is a lot larger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels strong and robust - it's like an investment piece, but not too expensive to be unaffordable." Jasmine also appreciated its convenience and its swivel bottom she said: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to look over your baby- and then when you want go back to sleep, you simply pull it back."

She also liked how easy it was to shut and open the door, even if she was tired at late at night. She also liked the amount of space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other essentials. She also appreciated how the mattress felt comfortable and that it was a decent size when compared to other cribs for 4-in-1 bedside crib we tested. She added: "Plus, the sheets are easily washable - which is a major plus when you're exhausted after every meal!".

Portability

One of the great things about a crib that is Bedside Crib Or Cot is that it can be positioned close to the bed of the parent and makes it simple to reach the baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It also prevents baby from rolling over, which can occasionally lead to 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 during the night, as well as a mesh window that lets you monitor your little one.

The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek Scandi design and a reasonable price. It comes in a range of colours, including gender-neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to work with divan beds however you might need to buy longer straps 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 bleary-eyed new parents.

It's a bit bulkier than other cribs and doesn't fold down completely flat, but it's an ideal size to fit into its handy carry bag for travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and simple controls. She also points out that the fabric may be stretched 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 easier to maneuver. It folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod however it comes with a few additional features, like a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window that makes it easy to clean and a breathable, sturdy mattress, although some mums were a bit disappointed that it was a bit smaller than other models. It comes with a bag for carrying that is helpful for keeping it clean and dust-free in storage between uses.

Style

A bedside crib is also known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit close to your bed. It lets you see your baby and reach them during the night. This is helpful to feed your baby at night and change the diapers. This is ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby close but don't want to risk the dangers of sharing a bed (such as overheating or suffocation). It is also a good option for couples who don't share a room with their child.

There are many different designs available. Some models have an additional side panel that can be adjusted to lower. This allows you to feel and see your child at night, but prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-up designs lower so that the baby to be lifted off the bed, but then automatically raise again.

You'll have to take into account the size of your crib and your bed. Some are slimmer and more compact than others, which can be crucial if space is limited in your home. Some are stronger and larger and are great for older babies who might be starting to roll or pull themselves up during the night.

Look for a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that allow for ventilation. Some cribs come with mattresses that are removable, and can be machine-washed and is equipped with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline feature, which is useful for those suffering from reflux.

The most secure and practical choices are those that secure securely to the parents' bed by straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place when not in use. Some cribs have adjustable legs that work with a range of different bed heights, which can be helpful if you have a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. Other features to think about are a detachable fourth wall that can be used as a play pen or babysitter during the day, as well as an adjustable changing tray.