Choosing a Large Bedside Cot
Bedside cots (also known as co-sleepers and bassinets) are designed to allow parents to sleep close to their baby at night without risk of SIDS. They are only recommended for up to 6 months, when your baby is old enough to be moved to a bed.
MFM home tester Mehack was impressed that this model features an adjustable bassinet that you can use in the home and the ability to rock manually. It was also easy to put together and came in its own bag for easy storage.
Size
Cots and cots differ in size, with cots being smaller than cot beds. bedside crib with changing table can also convert into toddler beds. However cots are generally used for children up to the age of three. There are two sizes of wooden cots, large and standard, which can be converted into a toddler bed or a cot. The larger one is a good choice for children who want to sleep in it until they reach at least three years old.
MFM mom home test Jasmine liked that this bedside cot was slightly bigger than a Moses basket, but not too large for her baby's room. Jasmine says it's easy to lift the baby into and out of the cot during night feeds or for soothing, and that its quality is far superior to other cots she has seen that are flimsy.
Another home-based tester, Emily, likes how the Maxi-Cosi Lora can be used in a variety of ways It's a bassinet that lifts off that you can move around the house, and it rocks too. It also has an incline for reflux and a machine washable liner that is breathable. It was also nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Moses Basket category. Contrary to some International or European cot brands Lora is a cot that Lora can be fitted with South African cot mattresses so you don't need to purchase another mattress as your baby grows. It will require a specific bedding set (60x120cm). Here is the perfect mattress for your cot.
Height
When selecting a cot for the bed be sure to choose one that can be elevated to a height that's comfortable for you when feeding the baby. It should also be able to be dropped down so that you can lift your baby up towards you for night feeds or to soothe. This is particularly useful if you are recovering from a C section. The Next2me cot and Tutti Bambini can be adjusted to an maximum height of 58cm, while the Snuzpod 3 can go up to 63cm, and the Knuma Hutch to 70cm.
You should also consider the level you would like the base of your crib to be. While some moms find it easier to lift their children out of the standard Moses baskets at the lowest height, other mums prefer a higher base to give them more stability. One of our mom testers stated that the Joie Roomie Glide was a popular choice. It comes with an easy-to-fold side that you can push at the push of one button.
Keep in mind that a bassinet/bedside sleeping device should only be used until your baby can hold their head without assistance typically approximately 6 months. This is due to the risk of being suffocated. It's also important to note that if you opt for a bassinet/bedside sleeper that can be converted into a cot and vice versa, you must start removing the sides when your child is ready for this to ensure they don't climb out or fall out of the bed.
Design
There are many different styles of cribs for bedside use, ranging from basic to lavish. The more expensive options could include features such as a built-in night light and a calming centre that plays music and sounds and offers two levels of vibrations to help soothe your baby to sleep, or even the swivelling base which makes it easier to reach your child for feedings. You can also find models which can be made into the form of a toddler bed or cot bed (or both), perfect when your child is ready to move to their own bigger bed.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, for example was awarded Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot Moses Basket or Crib category. It has a swivelling bottom that allows you to pick up your baby and transfer them to the other side of the crib without getting out of the bed. This is ideal for mothers who are recovering from Caesarean births, or those who need to remain in bed for long periods of time. Jasmine, a MFM mother who tested the product at home, said it was easy to operate and made it easier to reach her baby, especially after a C-section.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another option. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the Best Cot, Moses Basket, or Crib. It is machine washable and comes with a interior, reflux incline, and rocking feature. It's larger than other cribs we tested, but it folds down into its travel bag to make it relatively compact when it's not in use.
Leya, MFM mum home tester Also, she praised the bedside crib's functionality. She said it was designed to be used by parents and babies. It is lightweight and easy to move. Its swivelling base is brilliant because it lets you move the bassinet side to side and one of its sides can be opened down to make access easier - particularly for new mums who are recovering from their c-sections,' she said.
Safety
A large bedside cot's main security characteristic is that it can easily be moved up or down so that parents can reach their baby to feed or comfort them, or change his or her nappies. This makes it perfect for new mothers recovering from the c-section. Look for a design that allows you to lower one side with the push of a button. This way, you can effortlessly lift your baby without having to get out of bed. This is essential, especially as your child grows and becomes more mobile. You'll also want to be careful not to add anything to the crib that could increase the risk of suffocation or injury, such as pillows and duvets. These can cause babies to overheat.
The CPSC's NPR includes 24 incidents that are attributed to product-related issues, such as gaps between a bedside sleeper (adult bed) and the bedside sleeper (12 incidents) and enclosed openings with fabric sides (11) and consumer disassembly (6 incidents).
In its NPR in its NPR, the CPSC examined the possibility of additional requirements for bedside sleepers, such as the requirement that these beds meet the minimum side height requirement for bassinets or at a minimum, meet the maximum height requirement for the lowered side rail. The CPSC decided, however, that these requirements were not feasible or effective in reducing number of incidents where infants are trapped by the bedside rail and an adult bed.
Many of the reported incidents in the NPR included bedside sleepers with multiple uses that can be converted to other types of use, such as bassinets and play yards. Many commenters suggested that CPSC include in the proposed rule a different provision for multi-use bedside beds to allow them to meet the minimum side-height requirement of bassinets by using a removable attachment that can be permanently connected or removed when the product is not being used as a bassinet.
The CPSC is examining these comments and others received in response to the NPR on bedside sleeping. The Commission will take into account these comments when deciding on the final rule, which is expected to be published in November 2021.