Choosing a Large Bedside Cot
Bedside cots, also known as bassinets or co-sleepers are designed to let parents sleep close to their babies at night without the danger of SIDS. They are recommended for up to 6 months, when your baby is ready to transition to an actual cot.
Mehack is an MFM home tester, was impressed by the fact that this model features an integrated bassinet that can be used all around the house. It also has the ability to rock manually. It was also simple to put together and came with its own travel bag for easy storage.
Size
Cots and cot beds differ in size, with cots being smaller than beds for cots. Cots can also convert into toddler beds. However cots are generally intended for children who are the age of three. If you're considering a wooden cot, you'll find two sizes available that are large and standard both of which will convert into a cot bed/toddler bed. Choosing the larger one is a good option when you want your child to sleep in it until they are at least three years old.
MFM mom home test Jasmine was pleased that this bedside cot was slightly bigger than the Moses basket but not too large for her baby's room. It's easy to get her baby in and out for feeding or soothing and the quality is top-notch when compared to other cots she's seen that are flimsy.
Another home-based tester, Emily, likes how the Maxi-Cosi is a versatile product it's a drop-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 the Best Cot Crib, Crib, or Moses Basket. The Lora fits South African cot mattress unlike other international or European brands. This means that you do not need to purchase a brand new mattress when your baby grows. It will require a specific bedding set (60x120cm). Here is the ideal mattress for your cot.
Height
When you are choosing a cot for your bed, look for one that can be elevated to a level that is comfortable for feeding your the baby. It also needs to be able to be lowered to the ground so that you can pull your baby up towards you for night feeds or to soothe. This is particularly useful if you are recovering from a 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.
You should also consider how low you'd like the base of your crib to be. While some mothers find it easier to get their babies out of standard Moses baskets when they are at the lowest height, other mums prefer an elevated base to give them more stability. One of our testers for mums mentioned that the Joie Roomie Glide was a popular choice. It comes with an easy-to-fold side that you can push at the touch a button.
Remember that a bassinet/bedside sleeping device should only be used in the event that your baby can hold his head without assistance, which is usually about 6 months old. This is due to the risk of suffocation. Be aware that when your child is old enough to be able to convert a bassinet/bedside sleeping system into a cot, you must remove the sides when they are ready to do so. This will prevent them from climbing out or falling out of the bed.
Design
There are a variety of bedside crib, ranging from simple to luxurious. The more expensive options could include features such as an integrated night light and a calming centre which plays music and sounds and comes with two levels of vibrating to help soothe your baby to sleep, or even a swivelling base that allows you to easily reach your baby for feedings. Certain models can be converted into an infant bed or cot bed (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 for the Best Crib, Cot or Moses Basket category, has an adjustable base that lets you take your baby and move them from one side of the crib to the other without needing to get up. This makes it perfect for mothers who are recovering from Caesarean or require the bed for extended durations of time. Jasmine, a MFM mother who tested the product at home, said it was simple to use and made it easier to reach her baby, especially after the C-section.
Chicco Next2me Magic is another alternative. It was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the best Cot, Moses Basket, or Crib and has a machine-washable lining, reflux incline, and rocking feature. It's slightly larger than the other bedside cribs we tested but it folds flat into its travel bag so it's quite compact when not in use.
MFM mum home tester Leya also liked the functionality of this bedside crib explaining how it was designed with babies and parents in mind. It is very easy to move and extremely sturdy. She said that the bassinet's pivoting base was a great idea since it allowed you to move it from side to side. One of its sides could be lower to facilitate access for moms who are recovering from c-sections.
Safety
The bedside cot's primary security feature is that it is able to be raised or lowered so parents can reach their baby to feed or comfort him or his or her nappies. This makes it ideal for new mothers recovering from the C-section. Choose a model that allows you to lower one side with the push of a button. This way, you can effortlessly lift your baby without having to get out of the bed. This is especially important as your baby grows older and becomes more mobile. Do not add anything that may increase the risk of suffocation or injury, like duvets and pillows, which can cause your baby to overheat.
The CPSC's NPR includes 24 incidents that are attributed to product-related issues like gaps between a 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 the CPSC examined the possibility of adding additional requirements to bedside sleepers. For example they would need to meet the minimum height requirements for bassinets, or at the very least, the maximum height requirements for the lowered rail. The CPSC decided, however, that these requirements weren't practical or effective in reducing the number of instances in which infants are trapped between a bedside rail and an adult bed.
Many of the reported incidents in the NPR included multi-use bedside sleepers that could be converted into other types of use, such as play yards and bassinets. A number of commenters suggested that the CPSC include a different provision to the proposed rule for bedside sleepers that are multi-use that would permit them to meet the minimum side height requirements for bassinets using an attachment that is removable. The attachment can be permanently connected or removed when the product is not being used as a baby bassinet.
Cots For Tots is considering these and other comments that were received in response to its NPR on sleepers who are bedside. The Commission will take into account these comments when deciding on the final rule that is expected to be published in November 2021.