Check Out: How Large Bedside Cot Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
Choosing a Large Bedside Cot
Bedside cots, also referred to as bassinets and co-sleepers, are designed to allow parents to sleep close to their infants at night without the risk of SIDS. They are only recommended up to 6 months, after which your baby is ready to be moved to an actual crib.
Mehack, a MFM home tester, was impressed by the fact that this model features an adjustable bassinet that can be used all around the home. It also comes with a manual rocking feature. It was also easy to put together and came in its own bag for easy storage.
Size
Cots are smaller than cots. Cots can also be transformed into toddler beds. However, cots are usually only used by children up to the age of three. If you're looking for a wooden cot, there are usually two sizes available that are large and standard both of which will convert into a toddler bed or cot beds. If you want 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 mother who tested the product at home, said she liked that it was slightly larger than a Moses basket, but not too big for the baby's room. Jasmine says it's easy to lift the baby into and out of the cot for evening feedings or to soothe and that the quality is far superior to other cots she has seen that are cheap and flimsy.
Another home-based tester, Emily, likes how the Maxi-Cosi Lora can be used in a variety of ways it's a drop-off bassinet that you can move around the house, and it rocks too. It also comes with an option to tilt the reflux upwards and a machine-washable liner that breathes. It was also shortlisted in the 2021 Mother&Baby awards for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. In contrast to International or European cot brands, the Lora can be fitted with South African cot mattresses so you don't need to purchase an entirely new mattress each time your baby grows. However, it will require a special bespoke bedding set (60x120cm). Here is the ideal mattress for your cot.
Height
When choosing a crib for your bed pick one that can be adjusted to the ideal height for you. It must also be lowered away from the way, so you can raise your baby towards you to feed them at night or 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 can be adjusted to 70cm.
Another thing to consider is the height you would like to set for the cot's base to be. While some mums find it easier to get their babies out of standard Moses baskets at the lowest height, others prefer an elevated base to give them more stability. One of our mom testers stated that the Joie Roomie Glide was a popular option. It is a collapsible side you can press at the touch the button.
Remember that a bassinet/bedside sleeping device is only suitable when your baby can hold his head without assistance, which is usually around 6 months. This is because of the possibility of inhaling suffocation. Be aware that if your child is old enough to convert the bedside sleeper into a cot, you must take the sides off once they are ready to do so. This will prevent them from falling out or climbing out of the bed.
Design
There are many different styles of bedside cribs, from simple to luxurious. Some of the most extravagant options include features like a built-in light and a soothing center which plays music and sounds and comes with two levels to help soothe your baby back to sleep. Another option is the swivelling footrest, which makes it easier for you to reach your child in order to feed them. Certain 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 example was awarded 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 other side of the crib without getting out of bed. This makes it perfect for mothers who are recovering from Caesarean or require a the bed for extended durations of time. Jasmine is an MFM mother who tested the product at home, said that it was easy to operate and made it easier for her to reach her baby - especially after the 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 has a machine-washable lining, reflux incline, and rocking feature. It's bigger than the other cribs for bed that we tested, but it folds up into its travel bag, making it a small size when not in use.
Leya, MFM mum home tester, also praised the bedside crib's functionality. She claimed that it was designed to be used by parents and infants. It is very easy to move and extremely sturdy. best bedside cot cotsfortots said that the bassinet's swivelling base was a great idea because it allowed you to move it from side to side. One of its sides could be lower to make access easier for mothers who are 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 child to feed or comfort them, or change his or her diaper. This is ideal for mothers who are recovering from the C-section. Find a model that lets you lower one side with the push of a button. This way, you can easily lift your baby up without having to get out of the bed. This is important, especially as your child grows and becomes more mobile. You'll also want to not add anything to the cot that increases the chance of suffocation or injury, like pillows and duvets. These can cause babies to overheat.
The NPR of the CPSC's NPR included 24 incidents that were attributed to product issues, such as gaps between the bedside sleeper and the adult bed (12 incidents); fabric-sided enclosed openings (11 incidents) and consumer misassembly or missing components (6 incidents) and other miscellaneous product-related issues (9 incidents).
In its NPR the CPSC looked into the possibility of introducing additional requirements to bedside sleepers. For example they would need to meet the minimum height requirements for bassinets, or at least the maximum height requirements for the lowered rail. The CPSC decided, however, that these requirements were not feasible or effective in reducing the amount of instances where infants are trapped by the bedside rail as well as an adult bed.
Many of the reported incidents in the NPR included bedside sleepers with multiple uses that can be converted to other modes such as play yards and bassinets. Many commenters suggested that the CPSC add a second clause to the proposed rule for bedside sleepers that are multi-use that would permit them to meet minimum side height requirements for bassinets by using an attachment that is removable. This attachment can be permanently attached or removed when the item is not being used as a baby bassinet.
The CPSC is examining these comments as well as other submissions received in response to the NPR regarding bedside sleeping. The Commission will take into consideration these comments when deciding on the final rule, which is expected to be published in the month of November 2021.