Choosing a Large Bedside Cot
Bedside cots, also referred as bassinets and co-sleepers, are designed to let parents sleep close to their babies at night, without the risk of SIDS. They are only recommended for up to 6 months, when your baby is ready to transition to the crib.
MFM home tester Mehack was impressed that this model comes with an adjustable bassinet that you can use around the house and the ability to rock manually. It was simple to put together and it came with a travel bag.
Size
Cots and cot beds differ in size in size, with cots smaller than cot beds. They also can be converted into toddler beds, whereas cot beds are generally only used for up to three years. old. There are two sizes of wooden cots - large and standard - which can be transformed into a toddler bed or cot. 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, an MFM mother who tested the product at home, was pleased that it was slightly larger than the typical Moses basket, but not too large for the baby's room. She says it's easy to lift her baby in and out for night feeding or soothing, and the quality is top-notch, compared with many she's encountered that feel cheap and flimsy.
Another home-based tester, Emily, likes how versatile the Maxi-Cosi Lora is It's a bassinet that lifts off that you can move around the home, and it's rocking too. It also has an option for inclining the reflux and a machine-washable liner that breathes. It was also shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Moses Basket category. The Lora is a perfect fit for a South African cot mattress unlike many international or European brands. This means that you do not need to purchase an entirely new mattress each time your baby grows. It does require a special bedding set (60x120cm). Here you can find the ideal mattress for your cot.
large bedside cot
When selecting a cot for the bed be sure to choose one that can be raised up to a level that is comfortable for you when feeding baby. It should also be able to be lower out of the way, so you can raise your baby to feed them at night or to soothe him. This feature is especially useful when you are recovering from a C-section. The Next2me cot and the Tutti Bambini can be adjusted to the maximum height of 58cm, while the Snuzpod 3 can go up to 63cm, and the Knuma Hutch can be adjusted to 70cm.
Another thing to consider is the height you would like to set for the base of your cot to be. Some moms find it is easier to lift their babies from standard Moses baskets if the base is situated at the lowest level and others prefer a higher level to provide them with more stability. One of our mum testers said that the Joie Roomie Glide was a popular choice. It has a collapsible side you can push at the press of the button.
Keep in mind that a bedside or bassinet should not be used until your baby can hold their head up unaided typically approximately 6 months. This is due to the risk of inhaling suffocation. You should also be aware that if your child is old enough to turn the bedside sleeper into a cot, they will need to take the sides off as soon as they are ready to do this. This will stop them from getting out or falling out of the bed.
Design
There are many different styles of cribs for bedside use that range from basic to luxurious. The more luxurious options may include features like an integrated night light or a soothing center which plays music and sounds and has two levels of vibration to help soothe your baby back to sleep, or a swivelling base that makes it easier to reach your child for feedings. Some models can be converted into an infant bed or cot (or both) when your child is ready to go to their own bed.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, for example, won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot Moses Basket or Crib category. It features a swivelling bottom that lets you pick up your baby and move them to the other side of the crib without having to get out of bed. This is ideal for new mums recovering from Caesarean sections or those who have to remain in bed for prolonged periods of time. MFM mom home tester Jasmine was awed by this feature, saying it was simple to use and made reaching her baby much more manageable - especially after her c-section.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another option. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It has a machine-washable liner, reflux incline, and rocking feature. It's a bit larger than the other cribs for bed we've looked at, but it folds flat into its travel bag, so it's quite compact when not in use.
foldable bedside crib liked the functionality of this bedside crib, she explained how it was created with the needs of parents and children in mind. It is lightweight and easy to move. She also said that the swivelling bassinet base was a great idea because it let you move it from side to side. One of its sides could be lower to facilitate access, especially for new mums recovering from c-sections.
Safety
A bedside cot that is large and spacious's most important safety characteristic is that it can be easily adjusted or moved so that parents can reach their baby to feed, comfort or change his or her nappy. This is ideal for mothers who are recovering from the C-section. You should look for the design that allows you to lower the side of the bed with a simple button press. This will allow you to easily raise your child without getting out of bed. This is crucial, particularly as your child grows and becomes more mobile. Beware of items that could increase the chance of injury or suffocation like duvets and pillows, which can cause your baby to become overheated.
The NPR released by the CPSC NPR included 24 incidents that were attributed to product issues like gaps between the bedside sleeper and the adult bed (12 incidents) and enclosed openings with fabric sides (11 incidents) and consumer misassembly or missing components (6 incidents) and miscellaneous other product-related issues (9 incidents).
In its NPR, the CPSC looked into the possibility of additional requirements for sleepers in bed, such as the requirement that they 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 weren't feasible or effective in reducing number of incidents where infants are trapped by the bedside rail as well as an adult bed.
Many of the reported incidents in the NPR included multi-use bedside sleepers that can be converted to other modes such as play yards and bassinets. A number of commenters suggested that the CPSC add an alternative clause to the proposed rule for bedside sleepers that are multi-use that would permit them to meet the minimum side height requirements for bassinets by using an attachment that is removable. The attachment can be permanently attached or removed when the item is not being used as a bassinet for babies.
The CPSC is currently reviewing these comments and others received in response to the NPR on bedside sleeping. The Commission will take into consideration these comments when it decides on the final rule which is expected to be issued in November of 2021.