Choosing a Large Bedside Cot
Bedside cots, also referred as bassinets or co-sleepers are designed to let parents sleep close to their infants at night without the risk of SIDS. They are only recommended up to 6 months, when your baby is ready to move to an actual crib.
MFM home tester Mehack loved the fact that this model features a lift-off bassinet you can use throughout the house, as well as an option to rock manually. It was also easy to assemble and came in its own travel bag for convenient storage.
Size
Cots are smaller than cots. They are less than. Cots can also be transformed into toddler beds. However they are typically intended for children who are the age of three. If you're opting for a wooden cot, there are typically two sizes available both large and standard both of which convert into a toddler bed or cot beds. If you'd like your child (or children) to be comfortable sleeping in a bigger cot, it's an excellent option to select the larger size.
Jasmine, an MFM mother who tested the product at home, was pleased the fact that it was a little bigger than the typical Moses basket, but not too big for the baby's room. She claims that it is easy to lift the baby into and out of the cot for night feedings or soothing, and that its quality is far superior to other cots she has seen that are less sturdy.
Another home test subject, Emily, likes how versatile the Maxi-Cosi Lora is - it's a lift-off bassinet that can be moved around the home, and it's a blast too. It also comes with an option for inclining the reflux and a machine-washable liner that is breathable. It was also shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. The Lora is compatible with a South African cot mattress unlike some international or European brands. This means that you don't need to buy an entirely new mattress each time your baby grows. It will require a specific bedding set (60x120cm). Here's the perfect mattress for your cot.
Height
When you are choosing a crib that is bedside, choose one that can be adjusted to the ideal height for you. It should also be able to be lowered down out of the way so that you can lift your baby up towards you for feedings at night or soothing. This is particularly useful in the event of recovering from a C-section. For instance, the Next2me and Tutti Bambini cots can be adjusted up to an elevation of 58cm. the Snuzpod 3 goes up to 63cm and the Knuma Huddle up to 70cm.
You should also consider the height you would like the bottom of your crib to be. While some mums find it easier to lift their babies out of traditional Moses baskets at the smallest level, some mothers 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 is an easy-to-fold side that which you can use to push of the button.
Remember that a bassinet/bedside sleeping device is only suitable until your baby is able to hold their head up without assistance typically approximately 6 months. This is because of the risk of being suffocated. It's also important to know that if you opt for a bassinet/bedside sleeper that can be converted into a cot, you will need to begin removing the sides once your child is able to do this to ensure they don't climb out or get out of the bed.
Design
There are many styles of cribs for bedside use, ranging from basic to lavish. Some of the more luxurious options include features such as a built-in light and a soothing center that plays music and sound and has two levels to help ease your baby back to sleep. Another option is an adjustable footrest that makes it easier for you to reach your child when you need to feed them. There are also models that can be transformed into the form of a toddler bed or cot bed (or both) which is ideal when your child is ready to move to their own bigger bed.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air For instance has won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib category. It has a swivelling bottom that allows you to pick up your baby and move them to the opposite side of the crib without having to get out of bed. This is great for new mums recovering from Caesarean births or those who have to stay in bed for prolonged periods of time. Jasmine is an MFM mum who tested this product at home, said that it was simple to use and made it easier for her 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 as the best Cot, Moses Basket, or Crib. It is machine washable and comes with a interior, reflux incline, and rocking feature. It's a bit larger than some of the other cribs that we've tested but it folds flat into its travel bag so it is relatively compact when not in use.
MFM mum home tester Leya also liked the functionality of this bedside crib describing how it was designed with parents and babies in mind. It is very easy to move and extremely sturdy. She said that the swivelling bassinet base was a great idea because it allowed you to move it from side to side. One of its sides could be lowered to make access easier for mothers who are recovering from C-sections.
Safety
A large bedside cot's main security characteristic is the fact that it is able to be moved up or down so that parents can reach their baby to feed, comfort or change his or their nappy. This makes it perfect for new mothers recovering from the c-section. Find a model that allows you to lower one side with the press of a button, so you can effortlessly lift your baby without needing to get out of bed. This is especially important as your baby grows older and becomes more mobile. Beware of items that could increase the chance of injury or suffocation like duvets and pillows that can cause your baby to overheat.
The CPSC's NPR includes 24 incidents that are attributed to product issues like gaps between a bedside sleeper (adult bed) and the bedside sleeper (12 incidents) as well as enclosed openings made of fabric (11) and consumer assembly errors (6 incidents).
In its NPR the CPSC examined the possibility of introducing additional requirements to bedside sleepers. For example the products would need to meet the minimum side height requirements for bassinets, or at least the maximum height requirements for the rail that is lowered. The CPSC decided, however, that these requirements weren't efficient or effective in reducing amount of instances where infants are trapped by the bedside rail as well as an adult bed.
The majority of the incidents covered in the NPR focused on multi-use bedside sleepers that can be transformed into other modes, such as bassinets or play yards. bedside cot 6 months plus suggested that CPSC include in the proposed rule an alternative option for multiuse bedside sleepers to enable them to meet the minimum side-height requirement of bassinets through the use of an attachment that is removable and can be permanently connected or disconnected when the item is not being used as the bassinet.
The CPSC is currently reviewing these comments as well as other submissions received in response to the NPR regarding bedside sleeping. The Commission will consider these comments when it votes on the final rule that is expected to come out in November 2021.