Choosing a Large Bedside Cot
Bedside cots, also referred to as bassinets or co-sleepers are designed to allow parents to rest close to their children at night without the danger of SIDS. However they are only suitable for use up to 6 months, when your baby will be required to be moved into a cot or a moses basket.
Mehack Mehack, an MFM home tester, was awed by the fact that this model has an adjustable bassinet that can be used around the house. It also comes with a manual rocking feature. It was easy to assemble and even came with a travel bag.
Size
Cots and cot beds vary in terms of size, with cots being smaller than cot beds. Cots can also convert into toddler beds. However they are typically used by children up to the age of three. If you're looking for a wooden cot, you'll find two sizes to choose from that are large and standard both of which will convert into a cot bed/toddler mattress. If you wish for your child (or children) to be able to sleep in a bigger cot, it's an excellent idea to pick the larger size.
Jasmine is an MFM mom who tried the product at home, liked that it was slightly larger than a Moses' basket but still not too large for the baby's room. She claims that it is easy to get the baby in 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-based tester, Emily, likes how the Maxi-Cosi is a versatile product - it's a lift-off bassinet that can be moved around the home, and it's rocking too. It also comes with a reflux incline and a machine washable liner that breathes. It was also shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. In contrast to International or European cot brands, the Lora can fit South African cot mattresses so you don't have to buy another mattress as your baby grows. However, it does require a specific bedding set (60x120cm). Here is the perfect mattress for your cot.
Height
When you are choosing a crib that is bedside pick one that can be adjusted to a comfortable height for you. It should also be able to be lowered to the ground so that you can lift your baby up towards you during night feedings or to soothe. This feature is particularly useful when you're recovering from an operation such as 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 can be adjusted to 70cm.
Another thing to think about is how low you want the base of your cot to be. While some moms find it easier to lift their children out of standard Moses baskets when they are at the lowest level, some mothers prefer having a higher base that gives them more stability. One of our mom testers mentioned that the Joie Roomie Glide was a popular choice. It is an easily collapsible side that you can push at the press of the button.
Be aware that a bassinet/bedside sleeping device should not be used until your baby can hold their head up without assistance generally approximately 6 months. This is due to the danger of being suffocated. It is also important to remember that if you choose 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, so that they don't get out of bed or get out of bed.
Design
There are many styles of cribs for bedside use, ranging from basic to lavish. Some of the most luxurious options include features such as a built-in light or a center of calm that plays music and sound and comes with two levels to help soothe your baby back to sleep. Another option is an adjustable footrest that makes it easier for you to reach your child in order to feed them. Some models can be converted into a toddler bed or cot (or both) when your child is ready to go to their own bed.
For example the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, which won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket category, has an adjustable base that allows you to take your baby and move them from one side of the crib to the other without needing to get out of bed. This makes it perfect for new mothers who are recovering from Caesareans or who require a the bed for extended durations of time. Jasmine is an MFM mom who tried this product at home, stated that it was simple to use and made it easier for her to reach her baby, especially after the C-section.
Another option is the Chicco Next2me Magic, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It also is equipped with an easy-to-clean liner, reflux incline, and rocking function. It's bigger than the other bedside cribs that we've tested, however it folds into its travel bag to make it a small size when not in use.
Leya, MFM mum home tester Also, she acknowledged the crib's usefulness. She said it was designed for both parents and babies. It is lightweight and easy to move. Its swivelling base is fantastic as it means you can move the bassinet from side to side and one of its sides can be lowered down to facilitate access especially for mothers who are recovering from c-sections,' she said.
Safety
A large bedside cot's main safety feature is that it is able to be adjusted or moved so that parents can reach their child to feed or comfort him or his or her nappy. This makes it ideal for mothers who are recovering from an C-section. Look for related webpage that allows you to lower one side with the push of a button. This way, you can easily lift your baby without having to get out of bed. This is especially important as your baby gets older and becomes more mobile. You should also not add anything to the cot that increases the risk of suffocation or injury, such as duvets and pillows, which could cause babies to become overheated.
The CPSC's NPR included 24 incidents that were attributed to problems with the product, such as gaps between the bedside sleeper and the adult bed (12 incidents); fabric-sided enclosed openings (11 incidents); 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 adding additional requirements to bedside sleepers. For instance the products would need to meet the minimum side height requirements for bassinets or at least the maximum height requirements for the rails that are lowered. The CPSC decided, however, that these requirements were not feasible or effective in reducing the number of instances in which infants are trapped between the bedside rail as well as an adult bed.
The majority of the reported incidents in the NPR included multi-use bedside sleepers that could be converted into different modes like bassinets and play yards. A number of commenters suggested that the CPSC add an alternative option to the proposed rule for bedside sleepers with multiple uses that would allow them to meet the minimum side height requirements for bassinets using an attachment that can be removed. Attachments can be permanently attached or disconnected when the product's not being used as a baby bassinet.
The CPSC is considering these and other comments that were received in response to its NPR regarding bedside sleepers. The Commission will be examining these comments when deciding on the final rule which is expected to be released in November of 2021.