Choosing a Large Bedside Cot

Bedside cots, also known as co-sleepers and bassinets, are designed to let parents sleep close to their children at night without the danger of SIDS. They are only recommended up to 6 months, after which your baby will be ready to move to an actual bed.

MFM home tester Mehack was impressed that this model comes with an adjustable bassinet that you can use throughout the house, as well as an option to rock manually. It was also easy to assemble and came in its own travel bag for easy storage.

Size

Cots are smaller than cots. They are smaller than. They can also be converted into toddler beds, whereas they are typically used up to three years older. If you're opting for a wooden cot, there are typically two sizes available that are large and standard both of which convert into a toddler bed or cot mattress. Selecting the larger one is a good option when you want your child to sleep in it until they reach +/- three.

MFM mom home tester Jasmine liked that this bedside cot was slightly larger than the Moses basket but not too large for the space of her baby's. She says that it is easy to get the baby into and out of the cot during night feeds or for soothing and that the quality is better than other cots she has seen that are less sturdy.

Another home-based test subject, Emily, likes how versatile the Maxi-Cosi Lora is It's a bassinet that lifts off that you can move around the house, and it rocks too. It also has an incline for reflux 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. In contrast to International or European cot brands, the Lora can be fitted with South African cot mattresses so you don't have to buy an entirely new mattress each time your baby grows. It will require a specific bedding set (60x120cm). Here's the ideal mattress for your cot.

Height

When choosing a bedside cot choose one that can be elevated to a height that is comfortable for you to feed your the baby. It should also be able to be lowered away from the way, so that you can pull your child towards you to feed them at night or to soothe him. This feature is especially helpful when you're recovering from an operation such as a C-section. For instance the Next2me and Tutti Bambini cots can be adjusted to the height of 58cm. the Snuzpod 3 goes up to 63cm and the Knuma Huddle up to 70cm.

You should also think about the level you would like the base of your crib to be. Some mothers find it is easier to lift their babies from standard Moses baskets if the base is situated at the lowest level, while some prefer a higher elevation to give them more stability. bedside crib or cot is a well-liked option and one of our mum testers stating that it is easy to use with a collapsible part that you can use at the push of a button.

Keep in mind that a bassinet or bedside sleeping device should only be used when your baby can hold his head up without assistance, which is typically about 6 months old. This is due to the risk of being suffocated. It's also important to note that if you choose a bedside sleeper or bassinet that you can be converted into a cot, 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 fall out of the bed.

Design

There are many styles of bedside cribs, from simple to luxurious. Some of the most luxurious options include features like an integrated light and a soothing center which plays music and sounds and comes with two levels to help ease your baby back to sleep or a swivelling footrest that allows you to reach your child in order to feed them. You can also find models which can be made into the form of a toddler bed or cot bed (or both) which is ideal when your child is ready to move to their own bigger bed.

The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air for instance has won Bronze at the 2021 Mother&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 the bed. This is perfect for new mums recovering from Caesareans or those who have to stay in bed for prolonged periods of time. Jasmine, a MFM mother who tested the product at home, said it was simple to use and made it easier for her to reach her baby, especially after having a C-section.

Chicco Next2me Magic is another alternative. It won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards as the Best Cot, Moses Basket, or Crib. It is machine washable and comes with a interior, reflux incline, and a rocking feature. It's a bit bigger than the other cribs that we've tried, but it folds flat into its bag for travel, so it's relatively compact when not in use.

Leya, MFM mum home tester also praised the bedside crib's functionality. She claimed that it was designed for both parents and infants. It is lightweight and easy to move. Its swivelling base is brilliant because it allows you to move the bassinet from side to side and one of its sides can be lowered down to facilitate access especially for new mothers who are recovering from their c-sections,' she said.

Safety

The main safety feature of a large bedside cot is that it can be easily moved up or down to allow parents to reach their child when they require to feed, comfort them, or change their nappies. This makes it perfect for mothers who are recovering from an c-section. You should choose an option that lets you lower the sides of the bed with a simple button press. This will allow you to lift your child up without getting out of the bed. This is essential, especially as your child grows and becomes more mobile. You should also avoid adding anything to the crib that could increase the risk of suffocation or injury, including pillows and duvets, which could cause babies to become overheated.

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-side enclosed openings (11 incidents) as well as consumer misassembly, or missing components (6 incidents) and miscellaneous other product-related issues (9 incidents).


In its NPR the CPSC examined the possibility of adding more requirements to bedside sleepers. For instance, these products would have to meet the minimum side height requirements for bassinets or at a minimum, the maximum height requirements for the rails that are lowered. The CPSC found, however that these requirements weren't practical or effective in reducing number of instances in which infants are trapped between the bedside rail as well as an adult bed.

Many of the reported incidents in the NPR involved multiuse bedside sleepers which can be converted to other modes such as bassinets and play yards. A number of commenters suggested that the CPSC add an alternative provision to the proposed rule for bedside sleepers with multiple uses which would permit them to meet the minimum side height requirements for bassinets using a removable attachment. This attachment can be permanently attached or disconnected when the product's not being used as a bassinet for babies.

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