Choosing a Large Bedside Cot
Bedside cots, also referred as bassinets and co-sleepers, are designed to allow parents to rest 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 will need to be moved into a cot or moses basket.
MFM home tester Mehack was impressed that this model features an adjustable bassinet that you can use around the house and the ability to rock manually. It was easy to set up, and even came with a travel bag.
Size
4-in-1 bedside crib and cot beds differ in size, with cots being smaller than cot beds. Cots can also be converted into toddler beds. However, cots are usually only used for children up to the age of three. There are 4-in-1 bedside crib of wooden cots - big and standard that can be converted into a toddler bed or cot. Choosing bedside co sleeper of the two is a good idea if you want your child to sleep in it until they reach at least three years old.
Jasmine is an MFM mom who tried the product at home, was pleased that it was a bit bigger than a Moses basket, but not too big for the room of her baby. It's easy to get her baby in and out for feeding or soothing and the quality is top-notch in comparison to other cots she's seen that are flimsy.
Another home-based test subject, Emily, likes how versatile the Maxi-Cosi Lora is It's a bassinet that lifts off that can be moved around the home, and it's rocking too. It also has a reflux incline and a machine washable liner that is breathable. It was also nominated 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 don't need to buy a brand new mattress when your baby grows. However, it does require a special bespoke bedding set (60x120cm). Here's the ideal mattress for your cot.
Height
When selecting a bedside crib pick one that can be adjusted to a suitable height for you. It should also be able to be lower to a level that is not in the way so you can lift up your baby to feed them at night or soothe him. This is especially useful when you're recovering from C-section. The Next2me cot and 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 mothers find it is easier to lift their children from standard Moses baskets when the base is at the lowest point, while others prefer a higher level to give them greater stability. The Joie Roomie Glide is a popular option, with one of our mum testers stating that it is easy to use with a collapsible side that is easy to push down with the click of the button.
Be aware that a bedside or bassinet device is only suitable when your baby is able to hold his head up with no assistance, which is usually at around 6 months. This is due to the possibility of being suffocated. It is also important to remember that if you select a bedside sleeper or bassinet that you can convert into a cot, you will need to remove the sides as soon as your child is able to do this to ensure that they don't get out of bed or get out of the bed.
Design
There are many different styles of cribs for beds, ranging from simple to extravagant. Some of the more luxurious options include features like an inbuilt light or a center of calm which plays music and sounds 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 to feed them. Some models can be converted into a toddler bed or cot bed (or both) when your child is ready for their own bed.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air for instance, won Bronze at the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards for the Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib category. It features a swivelling bottom that allows you to take your baby to the crib and transfer them to the opposite side of the crib without getting out of bed. This is perfect for new mums recovering from Caesareans, or those who need to remain in bed for extended periods. MFM mum home tester Jasmine loved this feature, saying it was easy to use and made her baby easier - especially after her c-section.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another option. It won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards to be the best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is machine washable and comes with a interior, reflux incline, and rocking feature. It's bigger than other cribs for bed that we've tested, but it folds down into its bag for travel, making it compact when not in use.
Leya, MFM mum home tester, also acknowledged the crib's usefulness. She claimed that it was designed for parents and infants. It is very easy to move and extremely sturdy. She also said that the bassinet's pivoting base was fantastic because it let you 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
A large bedside cot's main safety characteristic is that it is able to be adjusted or moved so that parents can reach their baby to feed, comfort or change his or her nappy. This makes it ideal for new mothers recovering from a C-section. You should look for a design which lets you lower the side of the bed with a simple button press. This allows you to lift your child without having to get out of bed. This is important, especially as your baby grows and becomes more mobile. Do not add anything that may increase the chance of suffocation or injury, like duvets and pillows, which can cause your baby to become overheated.
The CPSC's NPR includes 24 incidents that are attributed to product-related issues that include gaps between the 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 In its NPR, the CPSC considered the possibility of additional requirements for bedside sleepers, such as the requirement that these products meet the minimum side height requirement for bassinets, or at the very least, meet the maximum height requirement for the side rail. The CPSC found, however that these requirements weren't efficient or effective in reducing number of incidents where infants are trapped between the bedside rail as well as an adult bed.
The majority of the reported incidents in the NPR involved multiuse bedside sleepers that could be converted into other types of use, such as bassinets and play yards. A number of commenters suggested that the CPSC add an alternative option to the proposed rule for bedside sleepers that are multi-use that would allow them to meet the minimum side height requirements for bassinets by using a removable attachment. The attachment can be permanently attached or removed when the product is not being used as a bassinet for babies.
The CPSC is examining 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 released in November 2021.