Choosing a Large Bedside Cot
Bedside cots, also referred as bassinets or co-sleepers are designed to allow parents to sleep close to their babies at night, without the risk of SIDS. However they are not recommended for use up to 6 months, when your baby is required to be moved into a cot, or a moses basket.
Mehack is an MFM home tester, loved the fact that this model has an integrated bassinet that can be used all around the house. It also has the ability to rock manually. It was also simple to put together and came in its own travel bag for easy storage.
Size
Cots are smaller than cots. Cots can also be converted into toddler beds. However cots are generally intended for children who are the age of three. If you're considering a wooden cot, there are typically two sizes available that are large and standard both of which will convert into a cot bed/toddler bed. If you want your child (or children) to be able to sleep in a larger cot, it's a great idea to choose the larger one.
Jasmine, an MFM mother who tested the product at home, said she liked the fact that it was a little bigger than a Moses' basket but still not too large for her baby’s room. She says it's easy to lift her baby into and out of the cot for nighttime feeding or soothing and that the quality is great, compared with many she's seen that feel flimsy.
Another home tester, Emily, likes how the Maxi-Cosi is a versatile product It's a bassinet that lifts off that can be moved around the home, and it's rocking too. It also comes with an incline of reflux as well as a machine washable breathable liner. It was also nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Moses Basket category. The Lora is compatible with a South African cot mattress unlike many international or European brands. This means you don't have to purchase a brand new mattress when your baby grows. However, it does require a special bespoke bedding set (60x120cm). You can find the right mattress for your cot here.
Height
When you are choosing a cot for your bed, look for one that can be elevated to a height that's comfortable for feeding your babies. It also needs to be able of being dropped down out of the way to allow you to lift your baby closer to you during night feedings or for soothing. This feature is especially useful when you are recovering from a C section. For example, the Next2me and Tutti Bambini cots can be adjusted up to the height of 58cm. the Snuzpod 3 goes up to 63cm and the Knuma huddle up to 70cm.
Another thing to consider is the height you would like to set for the base of your cot to be. While some mothers find it easier to lift their children out of traditional Moses baskets at the lowest height, other mums prefer having a higher base that gives them more stability. The Joie Roomie Glide is a well-liked option, with one of our mum testers saying that it comes with a simple collapsible side that is easy to press down at the touch of the button.
Be aware that a bassinet/bedside sleeping device should not be used until your baby is able to hold their head up unaided, usually at about 6 months. travel bedside crib 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, you will need to start removing the sides when your child is able to do this to ensure that they don't get out of bed or fall out of the bed.
Design
There are a variety of styles of cribs for bedside use that range from basic to lavish. The more expensive options could include features such as an integrated night light or a soothing center which plays music and sounds and comes with two levels of vibration to help soothe your baby back to sleep, or even the swivelling base which allows you to reach your baby for feedings. Some models can be transformed into an infant bed or cot bed (or both) when your child is ready for their own bed.
For example the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category, has an adjustable base that allows you to pick up your baby and transfer them from one side of the crib to the other without having to get out of bed. This is perfect for mothers who are recovering from Caesarean births, or those who need to remain in bed for extended periods. Jasmine, a MFM mother who tested the product at home, stated that it was simple to use and made it easier to reach her baby, especially after the c-section.
Another alternative is the Chicco Next2me Magic, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the category of the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It also comes with a machine-washable liner, reflux incline, and rocking feature. It's a bit bigger than some of the other cribs that we've looked at, but it folds flat in its travel bag, so it's relatively compact when not in use.
Leya, MFM mum home tester, also appreciated the bedside crib's function. She said it was designed for parents and babies. It is lightweight and easy to move. She also said that the bassinet's swivelling base was brilliant because it allowed you to move it from side to side. One of its sides could be lower to make access easier, especially for new mums recovering from C-sections.
Safety
The most important safety feature of a large bedside cot is that it can be easily raised or lowered to enable parents to reach their baby when they require to feed them, comfort them, or change their nappies. This means that it's ideal for mothers who are still be recovering from a C-section. Choose a model that allows you to lower one side at the push of a button, so you can easily lift your baby up without getting out of bed. This is important, especially when your baby grows and becomes more mobile. You should also not add anything to the crib that could increase the risk of suffocation or injury, like duvets and pillows, which could cause babies to become overheated.
The CPSC's NPR includes 24 incidents that are attributed to product-related 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 misassembly (6 incidents).
In its NPR in its NPR, the CPSC examined the possibility of imposing additional requirements for bedside sleepers, such as the requirement that these products satisfy 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 instances in which infants are trapped between the bedside rail as well as an adult bed.
A majority of the incidents reported in the NPR included bedside sleepers with multiple uses which 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 requirements 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 consider these comments when it votes on the final rule which is expected to be published in November 2021.