Choosing a Large Bedside Cot

Bedside cots, also known as co-sleepers and bassinets, are designed to allow parents to rest close to their children at night without the risk of SIDS. They are only recommended for up to 6 months, after which your baby is ready to move to the crib.

MFM home tester Mehack was impressed that this model features a bassinet that can be lifted off to use in the home and a manual rocking function. It was simple to put together and came with its own travel bag.

Size

Cots are smaller than cots. They also can be converted into toddler beds, while they are typically used for up to three years. old. If you're opting for a wooden cot, you'll find two sizes to choose from that are large and standard both of which convert into a toddler bed or cot mattress. If you wish for your child (or children) to be capable of sleeping in a larger cot, it's a good option to select the larger one.

MFM mom home test Jasmine liked that this bedside baby bed cot was slightly larger than a Moses basket but not too big for her baby's room. She says it's easy to carry her child in and out for feeding or calming and that the quality is excellent, compared with many she's seen that are flimsy.

Another home tester, Emily, likes how the Maxi-Cosi is a versatile product - it's a lift-off bassinet that can be moved around the house, and it rocks too. It also has a reflux incline and a machine washable liner that is breathable. It was also shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. Contrary to some International or European cot brands, the Lora can be fitted with South African cot mattresses so you don't need to purchase a new mattress as your baby grows. However, it will require a specific bedding set (60x120cm). Here you can find the ideal mattress for your cot.

Height

When you are choosing a crib that is bedside, choose one that can be adjusted to a comfortable height for you. It should also be able to be lower to a level that is not in the way so that you can pull your child towards you to feed them at night or comfort him. This feature is especially helpful if you're recovering from C-section. The Next2me cot and the Tutti Bambini can be adjusted to an maximum height of 58cm while the Snuzpod 3 can go up to 63cm and the Knuma Hutch up to 70cm.

Another thing to think about is the height you would like to set for the cot's base to be. While some moms find it easier to get their babies out of the standard Moses baskets when they are at the lowest level, some mothers prefer an elevated base to give them more stability. The Joie Roomie Glide is a well-liked option, with one of our mum testers stating that it comes with a simple collapsible part that you can use at the push of one button.

Keep in mind that a bassinet or bedside sleeping device is only suitable when your baby is able to hold his head up without assistance, which is typically about 6 months old. This is due to the possibility of inhaling suffocation. It is also important to remember that if you select a bedside sleeper or bassinet that you can convert into a cot it is necessary to start removing the sides when your child is ready for this to ensure they don't climb out or fall out of the bed.

Design

There are many different styles of cribs for beds that range from basic to luxurious. Some of the more expensive options come with features such as a built-in light and a soothing center that plays music and sounds and comes with two levels to help soothe your baby back to sleep. Another option is a swivelling footrest that makes it easier for you to reach your child to feed them. Certain models can be converted into the toddler bed or cot (or both) when your child is ready for their own bed.

For instance, the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category, has a swivelling base that lets you take your baby and move them from one side of the crib to the other without having to get up. This makes it ideal for new mums who are recovering from Caesareans or who require bed for longer durations of time. Jasmine, a MFM mum who tested this product at home, stated that it was easy to operate and made it easier to reach her baby, especially after having a C-section.

Another alternative is the Chicco Next2me Magic, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Award in the category of Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It comes with an easy-to-clean liner, reflux incline, and rocking feature. It's a bit bigger than the other cribs that we've tried, but it folds flat in its travel bag so it's quite compact when not in use.

MFM mom home tester Leya also liked the functionality of this bedside crib she explained how it was created with babies and parents in mind. It is lightweight and easy to move. She also said that the bassinet's pivoting base was a great idea because it allowed you to move it from side to side. One of its sides could be lowered to make access easier for mothers who are recovering from C-sections.

Safety

A large bedside cot's main safety characteristic is the fact that it can easily be adjusted or moved so that parents can reach their baby bedside sleeper to feed or comfort him or their nappies. This makes it ideal for new mothers recovering from an c-section. Choose a model that allows you to lower one side at the press of a button, so you can easily lift your baby up without having to get out of the bed. This is particularly important as your baby grows older and becomes more mobile. It is also important to avoid adding anything to the crib that increases the chance of suffocation, or injury, such as pillows and duvets, which can cause babies to overheat.

The NPR of the CPSC's NPR included 24 incidents that were attributed to product problems, such as gaps between the bedside sleeper and the adult bed (12 incidents); fabric-sided enclosed openings (11 incidents) as well as consumer misassembly, or missing parts (6 incidents); and miscellaneous other product-related issues (9 incidents).

In its NPR the CPSC looked into the possibility of introducing additional requirements to bedside sleepers. For example, these products would have to meet the minimum side height requirements for bassinets, or at a minimum, the maximum height requirements for the lowered rail. The CPSC found, however that these requirements were not efficient or effective in reducing the number of instances in which infants are entrapped by the cheap bedside cot rail and an adult bed.

Many of the reported incidents in the NPR included bedside sleepers with multiple uses that could be converted into other modes such as play yards and bassinets. Many commenters suggested that the CPSC add a second clause to the proposed rule for multi-use bedside sleepers which would permit them to meet minimum side height requirements for bassinets using an attachment that is removable. The attachment can be permanently connected or removed when the item is not being used as a baby bassinet.

The CPSC is currently examining these and other comments received in response to its NPR on bedside co sleeper sleepers. The Commission will take into account these comments when it votes on the final rule that is expected to be published in November 2021.