The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Bedside Crib Or Cot
Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper
A bedside crib is a bassinet style cot that attaches to your bed. It lets you reach your baby to feed them at night or help soothe them to sleep. They are especially useful for mothers recovering from C-section births.
Our parent testers have been raving about the SnuzPod 4 due to its many features. These include an incline for reflux and a soothing center, with an amber nightlight, as well as floorlights with two vibration levels. It is also light and is able to be easily moved from one room to another.
Safety
A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as a cosleeper (or baby bassinet) allows your baby to sleep with you during the night in their own crib. This keeps them safe from overheating or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). You should follow the manufacturer's instructions for weight limits, and ensure that your child's bed is snugly fitted. If there are gaps, it may increase the chance of entrapment, which is another serious hazard. It's also important to ensure that the crib is free of objects that could create a suffocation hazard, including pillows, blankets and toys.
Find cribs that have mesh sides that you can see your child through, and a sturdy and breathable, flat mattress. The slats must be spaced no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart and the headboard should be lower than the footboard, so that your baby isn't able to leave the crib or raise their head over the footboard. A lot of cribs come with a built-in changer, shelves for storing diapers and wipes as well as rockers, music, and night lights. These are all wonderful features, but your baby should remain in the crib until they can stand up or sit. This usually occurs about 6 months old.
It's also essential to select a crib that does not have corner posts as they could pose a risk to your baby's health by creating areas where their limbs or heads might be trapped. If you have a crib that has these, consider removing them to avoid your child becoming entangled in their clothes or toys. Also, make sure to keep the crib away from window blind and drape cords as your baby may become entangled in them and fall or be strangled.
Make sure that the cot is still safe for use even if you're using a used cot. It should not have any rough surfaces holes, peeling paint or holes and must be sturdy 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 cots made before 1973 could have lead paint on them, which can be harmful to babies.
Easy to Use
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or cot is designed to be placed next to a parent's mattress. This lets newborns rest with their parents without the dangers of co-sleeping. They are a great choice for parents who have a difficult to get out of bed to feed their baby or to comfort them during the night, particularly after a difficult delivery. They can also double as a Moses basket or a baby carrycot to provide secure and flexible sleeping arrangements away from the crib.
Bedside cribs can be secured to the parent's side using straps. Some have the ability to swivel, and have adjustable height settings, which means they can be used with different types or beds. Many have mesh sides for improved airflow and visibility, too. Some have a drop-down side that lowers or removes to allow access to the baby from the bed of the parent and helps in feeding at night and comforting.
Some cribs can be tilted one end to create a more natural sleeping position that is safe for babies suffering from reflux, colic and other digestive issues. However it is recommended to use this method with extreme care and only with the advice of a health professional.
MFM home test Jasmine loved the crib's size - "it is much larger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels strong and robust - it's like an investment piece but not so expensive as to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its ease of use, especially its swivel bottom she said: "You just spin it around when you have to reach over to look over your babyand then, when you're ready to go back to sleep, you just pull it back."
Another thing she liked was the ease to open and shut the door from outside, especially when bleary-eyed in the dark. She also appreciated the space inside the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also liked that the mattress felt comfy and was a decent size in comparison to other bedside cribs we've tried. She added: "Plus the sheets are easily machine washable, which is an absolute benefit when you're exhausted from each feed!"
Portability
One of the best things about a crib that is bedside is that it can be placed right next to the parents' bed which makes it easy to reach baby during the night for feeding or to comfort. It can also help stop the baby from falling over and becoming suffocated. A good quality crib should have sides that can be open, making it easy for parents who are tired during the night, and also a mesh window that lets you monitor your little one.
The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its sleek design in Scandi and affordable price. It comes in a range of colors, including gender neutral grey and wood effect, and is designed to work with divan beds however you might require longer straps to ensure it is compatible with your mattress. Its opening 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 some of the other cribs and doesn't fold completely flat, but it's still adequate to fit into its handy bag for transport. The mother on the BabyCentre forums commented that it was easy to set up thanks to its clear instructions and simple mechanism. However, she notes that the fabric is prone to creasing when removed from its bag to travel.
You can also opt for the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib that has wheels, making it more maneuverable and folds completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, including a storage shelf, six different height adjustments, and a choice of reflux inclined. It also has a zip-up mesh window for easy cleaning and a durable, breathable mattress, though some mothers felt it was a bit shallower than other models. It comes with a carry bag that is helpful for keeping it clean and dust-free in storage between uses.
Style
A bedside crib is called a "co-sleeper" and is designed to sit right next to your bed. It lets you view your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is helpful for night feedings and changing nappy. This is ideal for parents who want to keep their baby close, but don't want the dangers of bed-sharing (such as suffocation or overheating). travel cot bedside crib 's also a great option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.
There are many different styles to choose from. Some models feature an additional side panel that can be removed. This allows you to feel and see your child at night, but it also prevents the accidental sharing of beds. Some pop-ups lower to let you lift your baby from the bed, and then automatically raise.
You'll need to consider the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact than others, which could be important if space is restricted in your home. Some are stronger and larger which is ideal for older babies who might be starting to roll around or get up at night.
Choose a crib with mesh windows, breathable fabric and easily cleaned surfaces. Some cribs come with an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and fitted with a sheet. This makes it much easier to clean than the regular crib mattress. Some models have an anti-reflux feature which can be beneficial for reflux sufferers.

The most secure and practical alternatives are those that attach securely to the parents' bed with straps or a locking mechanism that keeps it in place even when not in use. Some cribs also come with adjustable legs that be able to work with different bed heights. This could be useful in the case of a divan or other unusually-shaped bed. You may also think about the crib with a removable 4th wall that can be used for playpen or a babysitter during the daytime.