Ten Startups That Are Set To Change The Bedside Crib Or Cot Industry For The Better

Bedside Crib Or Co-Sleeper

A bedside crib is a bassinet-style cot that can be attached to your bed and allows you to access your baby for night feedings or to calm them back to sleep. They're especially handy for mums recovering from c-section births.

Our parent testers praised the SnuzPod 4, which comes with many technical features for busy new parents including a reflux incline setting and soothing centre with amber light for the night and floor with 2 vibration levels. It is also lightweight and easily moved from one room to the next.

Safety

A bedside crib, sometimes referred to as cosleeper (or baby bassinet), allows your infant to sleep with you during the night in their own crib. This helps to protect them from overheating and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). It is recommended to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for weight limits and make sure that your child's crib is a good fit. If there are gaps this could increase the chance of getting trapped, which is a serious hazard. It is also essential to ensure that the crib is free of objects that could create a suffocation hazard, including blankets, pillows and toys.

Choose a crib with mesh sides that you can see your child through, as well as a firm, flat, breathable mattress. The slats must be no larger than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the headboard should not be higher than the footboard. This will keep your child from getting out of the crib. Some cribs also have a built-in changing table, shelves to store diapers and wipes, rockers, music and night lights. These are fantastic features to have, but keep in mind that your baby should stay in their own crib until they're able stand or sit up, around 6 months, when they can safely sleep elsewhere.

It is also advisable to select a crib without corner posts. They could pose a risk for your baby as they create spaces in which their limbs and head may get trapped. If you have a crib that contains these, you should consider taking them out to stop your baby from getting caught in their clothes or toys. Also, ensure that you keep the crib free of window blind and drape cords as your baby may become entangled in them and fall, or even be strangled.

Check that the cot is still safe to use if you are using a used cot. It should be in good working order and sturdy, and free of loose pieces. It shouldn't have any rough surfaces or holes. It's also important to ensure that the cot has been stripped down and repainted. older cots may have paint that has leaded on them, which is toxic for babies.

Easy of Use

Bedside cribs are cot or bassinet designed to be placed safely next to the parent's bed, allowing newborns to sleep close by without any of the dangers associated with co-sleeping (rooming-in). They are a great choice for parents who have a hard time getting out of the bed to feed their child or to comfort them during the night, especially after a difficult birth. Some are also used as a Moses Basket or a baby carrycot to give infants a more flexible and secure sleeping space away from the crib.

Bedside cribs can be secured to the parent's side by a strap. Some have a swivel and adjustable height settings, so they can be used with various types or beds. Many have mesh sides for improved visibility and airflow, too. Some have a drop-down side which can be removed or lowered to allow direct access to the baby from the bed of the parent and helps with nighttime feeding and comforting.

Some cribs can be tilted at one end, allowing the most natural sleeping position for babies suffering from reflux or colic. However, this should be used with extreme caution and only with the guidance of a health professional.

MFM home test Jasmine was impressed by the size of this crib and weight "it is a lot larger than the majority of Moses baskets and feels solid and robust - it's like an investment piece but not too costly to be out of reach." Jasmine also appreciated its ease of use particularly its swivel base she said: "You just spin it around if you need reach over to check on your baby -and then, when you're ready to sleep, simply pull it back."

She also liked how easy it was to shut and open the door, even when she was exhausted at the end of the night. She also appreciated the amount of space within the crib to store nappies, blankets and other necessities. She also appreciated how the mattress felt comfortable and that it was a decent size compared to other cribs for bedside we've tried. She added: "Plus, the sheets are washable, which is a major plus when you're exhausted after a feed!".

Portability

One of the great things about a crib for bed is that it can be positioned close to the bed of the parent and makes it simple to reach baby at night for breastfeeding or comforting. It also assists in preventing baby from rolling over, which can occasionally lead to suffocation. A crib that is safe should have easily-openable sides to ensure that exhausted mothers can open it in late at night. It should also have an opening with mesh to keep an eye on the baby.

The SnuzPod 4 is a popular option, thanks to its stylish Scandi design and great price tag. It comes in a variety of colours 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. The opening side panel, anti reflux incline, and adjustable mattress heights make it simple to use even for the new parents.

It's a bit larger than other cribs, and isn't able to fold flat. However, it's still large enough to fit into its handy carry bag when travelling. Mom on the BabyCentre forums claims that it's easy to set up, thanks to clear instructions and easy-to-use mechanisms. However, she notes that the fabric is susceptible to creasing when it's being taken out of its bag for travel.

Alternatively, you could choose the Joie Roomie Glide, which is a bedside crib that has wheels, which makes it easier to manoeuvre, and it folds down completely flat. It's a bit more expensive than the SnuzPod but has some additional features, including an adjustable shelf for storage, 6 different height adjustments, and an optional reflux inclined. It also comes with a zip-up mesh window for easy cleaning and a sturdy, breathable mattress, but some moms found it a little shallower than other options. It comes with a bag for carrying which is great to keep it dust-free and clean in storage between use.

Style

A bedside crib can also be known as a "co-sleeper" and is designed to fit next to your bed. It lets you see your baby's face and reach them throughout the night. This is useful for night feedings and changing diapers. This makes it a great choice for parents who wish to keep their baby close but don't want to risk the dangers of bed-sharing (such as suffocation and overheating). It's also a great option for couples who do not share a bedroom with their child.

There are  travel cot bedside crib  to choose from. Some come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you be able to touch and see your baby throughout the night but still prevents the possibility of bed sharing. Some pop-ups lower to let you lift your baby from the bed, and then automatically raise.

You'll need to take into account the dimensions of your crib as well as your bed. Some cribs are smaller and more compact, which is important if you have limited space in your home. Some are bigger and more robust, which is ideal for older babies that may be starting to roll over or slouch at night.

Find a crib that is easy to clean, and has mesh windows and breathable fabric that can help with ventilation. Some cribs have an adjustable mattress that can be machine-washed and fitted with a sheet. This makes it easier to clean than the standard crib mattress. Some have an anti-reflux incline option, which is beneficial for people suffering from reflux.

Most secure and convenient are cribs that can be secured to the bed of the parents, either with straps or a locking system that secures it while not in use. Some cribs come with adjustable legs that can be used with different bed heights. This is useful for those with an unusually designed bed or divan. It is also possible to consider the crib with a removable 4th wall that can be used for an activity area or babysitter during the day.