Choosing a Large Bedside Cot
Bedside cots (also called co-sleepers or bassinets) are designed to let parents rest with their baby at night without fear of SIDS. They are only recommended for up to 6 months, when your baby will be ready to move to the crib.
MFM home tester Mehack loved that this model has a lift-off bassinet you can use around the house and an option to rock manually. It was simple to put together, and came with its own travel bag.
Size
Cots are smaller than cots. They are less than. They also can be converted into toddler beds, while they are typically used until three years old. older. If you're looking for a wooden cot, you'll find two sizes to choose from both large and standard both of which convert into a toddler bed or cot beds. The larger one is a good option when you want your child to sleep in it until the age of at least three years old.
Jasmine, a MFM mother who tested the product at home, was pleased that it was slightly larger than the typical Moses basket, but not too big for her baby’s room. She says that it is easy to lift the baby in and out of the cot during night feeds or for soothing and that it's quality is far superior to other cots she has seen that are cheap and flimsy.
Another home test subject, Emily, likes how versatile the Maxi-Cosi Lora is it's a drop-off bassinet that can be moved around the home, and it's a blast too. It also comes with an incline of reflux as well as a machine washable liner that is breathable. It was also shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Cot Crib, Crib or Moses Basket. The Lora is compatible with a South African cot mattress unlike many international or European brands. This means you do not need to purchase a brand new mattress when your baby grows. It requires a specific bedding set (60x120cm). You can find the right mattress for your cot here.
Height
When you are choosing a cot for your bed choose one that can be raised to a level that is comfortable for you when feeding the baby. It must also be lowered to a level that is not in the way so you can lift up your baby towards you to feed them at night or soothe him. This feature is especially helpful if you're recovering from an operation such as a C-section. The Next2me cot and the Tutti Bambini can be adjusted to an maximum height of 58cm while the Snuzpod 3 can go up to 63cm, and the Knuma Hutch up to 70cm.
It is also important to consider the level you would like the base of your crib to be. While some mums find it easier to get their babies out of standard Moses baskets at the lowest height, others prefer a higher base to give them more stability. The Joie Roomie Glide is a popular option, with one of our mum testers stating that it has an easy-to-use collapsible side that you can push down with the click of the button.
Be bedside rocking crib that a bedside or bassinet should only be used until your baby is able to hold their head up without assistance, usually at about 6 months. This is because of the danger of inhaling suffocation. Be aware that if your child is old enough to be able to convert the bedside sleeper into a cot, you must take the sides off once they are able to do so. This will stop them from getting out or falling out of bed.
Design
There are a variety of bedside cribs, from simple to luxurious. Some of the most extravagant options include features like a built-in light and a soothing center that plays music and sound and comes with two levels to help soothe your baby back to sleep, or the swivelling footrest, which makes it easier for you to reach your child in order to feed them. Some models can be transformed into a toddler bed or cot bed (or both) when your child is ready to go to their own bed.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air for instance, won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards 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 opposite side of the crib without getting out of the bed. This is ideal for mothers who are recovering from Caesareans or those who have to stay in bed for prolonged periods of time. bedside cot mattress was awed by this feature, stating that it was easy to use and made reaching her baby easier - especially after her c-section.
Another alternative is the Chicco Next2me Magic, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Award in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It is equipped with an easy-to-clean liner, reflux incline and rocking feature. It's larger than other cribs for bed that we've tested, however it folds down into its bag for travel, making it a small size when not in use.
Leya, MFM mum home tester also appreciated the bedside crib's function. She said it was designed for parents and children. It is very easy to move and extremely sturdy. Its swivelling base is fantastic because it allows you to move the bassinet from side-to-side, and one of its sides can be let down to facilitate access especially for new mothers who are recovering from C-sections,' she added.
Safety
The bedside cot's primary safety characteristic is the fact that it is able to be moved up or down so that parents can reach their baby to feed or comfort them, or change his or her nappy. This makes it ideal for mothers who are still recovering from a C-section. Look for a design that lets you lower one side at the push of a button. This way, you can effortlessly lift your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is essential, especially as your child grows and becomes more mobile. Beware of items that could increase the risk of suffocation or injury, such as duvets and pillowcases which could cause your baby to overheat.
The NPR of the CPSC NPR includes 24 incidents that are attributed to issues with the product like gaps between the bedside sleeper (adult bed) and the bedside sleeper (12 incidents) as well as enclosed openings made of fabric (11) and consumer misassembly (6 incidents).
In its NPR the CPSC considered the possibility of adding additional requirements to bedside sleepers. For instance, these products would have to meet the minimum side height requirements for bassinets, or at a minimum, the maximum height requirements for the lowered rail. The CPSC found, however that these requirements weren't practical or effective in reducing number of instances in which infants are entrapped by a bedside rail and an adult bed.
A majority of the incidents mentioned in the NPR concerned multi-use bedside sleepers which can be converted into other modes, such as play yards or bassinets. Several commenters suggested that the CPSC include in the proposed rule a different provision for multi-use bedside sleepers that would allow them to meet the minimum side-height requirement for bassinets by using an attachment that can be permanently connected or disconnected when the item is not being used as an actual bassinet.
The CPSC is reviewing the comments and other suggestions received in response to the NPR regarding bedside sleeping. The Commission will take into account these comments when voting on the final rule which is expected to be released in November 2021.