Choosing a Large Bedside Cot
Bedside cots (also called co-sleepers or bassinets) are designed to let parents rest with their baby at night without the risk of SIDS. They are recommended for up to 6 months, when your baby will be ready to move to an actual cot.
Mehack is an MFM home tester, was awed by the fact that this model has an integrated bassinet that can be used around the home. 4-in-1 bedside crib comes with an option to rock manually. It was also simple to put together and came with its own travel bag for easy storage.
Size
Cots and cots differ in terms of size and size, with cots being a bit smaller than cot beds. Cots can also be transformed into toddler beds. However, cots are usually only used for children up to the age of three. If you're opting for a wooden cot, there are usually two sizes to choose from that are large and standard both of which will convert into a cot bed/toddler beds. If you'd like your child (or children) to be comfortable sleeping in the larger cot, it's an excellent idea to choose the larger size.
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 room of her baby. It's easy to lift her baby in and out for feeding or calming and that the quality is excellent, compared with many she's encountered that feel cheap and flimsy.
Emily, another home-based tester, is thrilled by the versatility of the Maxi-Cosi Lora - it is a lift-off, portable bassinet. It also is a rock. It also has a reflux incline and a machine washable liner that breathes. It was also nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot or Moses Basket category. Contrary to some International or European cot brands Lora is a cot that Lora can be fitted with South African cot mattresses so you don't need to buy a new mattress as your baby grows. It requires a specific bedding set (60x120cm). You can find the perfect mattress for your cot here.
Height
When you are choosing a cot for your bed be sure to choose one that can be raised to a height that is comfortable for feeding your babies. It should also be able to be lower away from the way, so you can raise your child towards you to feed them at night or to soothe him. This feature is particularly helpful if you are recovering from 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 to 70cm.
You should also think about the level you would like the bottom of your crib to be. While some moms find it easier to lift their babies out of standard Moses baskets at the smallest height, others prefer a higher base to give them more stability. One of our testers for mums said that the Joie Roomie Glide was a popular option. It comes with a collapsible side you can press at the touch one 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 about 6 months old. This is due to the possibility of being suffocated. It's also important to note that if you choose a bassinet/bedside sleeper that can be converted into a crib, you will need to begin removing the sides once your child is ready for this, so that they don't get out of bed or get out of bed.
Design
There are a variety of styles of bedside crib with a range of styles from simple to extravagant. The more expensive options could include features such as a built-in night light or a soothing center which plays music and sounds and comes with two levels of vibrations to help soothe your baby to sleep, or the swivelling base which allows you to easily get your baby's food in the right place. Certain models can be converted into a toddler bed or cot (or both) when your child is ready for their own bed.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air, for example, 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 take your baby to the crib and move them to the other side of the crib without getting out of bed. This is great for mothers who are recovering from Caesarean sections or who have to remain in bed for extended periods. Jasmine is an MFM mom who tried this product at home, stated that it was easy 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 was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket and includes an easy-to-clean liner, reflux incline and rocking function. It's a bit bigger than some of the other cribs that we've tried, but it folds flat in its bag for travel, so it is relatively compact when not in use.
Leya, MFM mum home tester also appreciated the bedside crib's function. She claimed that it was designed to be used by parents and children. It is lightweight and easy to move. She said that the bassinet's pivoting base was fantastic since it allowed you to move it from side to side. One of its sides could be lowered to facilitate access for mothers who are recovering from c-sections.
Safety
The most important security characteristic of a bedside cot is that it can be raised or lowered to enable parents to reach their child when they need to feed them, soothe them or change their nappy. This makes it perfect for mothers who are recovering from the c-section. Find a model that lets you lower one side at the push of a button, so you can effortlessly lift your baby without needing to get out of bed. This is crucial, particularly as your baby grows and becomes more mobile. Do not add anything that may increase the risk of suffocation or injury, such as pillowcases and duvets which could cause your baby to overheat.
The NPR of the CPSC NPR includes 24 incidents that are attributed to product issues like gaps between the bedside sleeper (adult bed) and the bedside sleeper (12 incidents) and enclosed openings with fabric sides (11) and consumer misassembly (6 incidents).
In its NPR, the CPSC considered the possibility of additional requirements for bedside sleepers, such as the requirement that they meet the minimum side height requirement for bassinets, or at least meet the maximum height requirement for the lowered side rail. The CPSC found, however that these requirements were not efficient or effective in reducing the amount of instances where infants are entrapped 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. Many commenters suggested that CPSC include in the proposed rule an alternative provision for multiuse bedside sleepers to allow them to meet the minimum side-height requirement for bassinets using an attachment that is removable and can be permanently connected or removed when the product is not being used as a bassinet.
The CPSC is examining these and other comments received in response to its NPR on bedside sleepers. The Commission will consider these comments when it votes on the final rule, which is expected to be published in November of 2021.