10 Things We All Do Not Like About Large Bedside Cot
Choosing a Large Bedside Cot
Bedside cots (also called co-sleepers or bassinets) are designed to allow parents to snuggle with their infant at night without fear of SIDS. They are only recommended up to 6 months, when your baby is ready to move to a crib.
MFM home tester Mehack loved that this model features an adjustable bassinet that you can use throughout the house, as well as an option to rock manually. It was also simple to put together and came in its own bag for easy storage.
Size
Cots and cots differ in size and size, with cots being a bit smaller than beds for cots. Cots can also be converted into toddler beds. However cots are generally used for children up to the age of three. There are two sizes of wooden cots, large and standard - which can be converted into a toddler bed or a cot. If you'd like your child (or children) to be able to sleep in the larger cot, it's a good idea to pick the larger one.
Jasmine is an MFM mum who tested the product at home, was pleased the fact that it was a little bigger than the typical Moses' basket but still not too large for her baby’s room. She says that it is easy to lift the baby in and out of the cot during night feeds or for soothing and that it's quality is far superior to other cots she has seen that are flimsy.
Another home-based test subject, Emily, likes how versatile the Maxi-Cosi Lora is It's a bassinet that lifts off that can be moved around the home, and it's rocking too. It also comes with a reflux incline option 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. In contrast to International or European cot brands, the Lora can be fitted with South African cot mattresses so you don't need to buy another mattress as your baby grows. It will require a specific bedding set (60x120cm). Find the ideal mattress for your cot here.
Height
When selecting a cot for the bed, look for one that can be raised up to a height that's comfortable for feeding your babies. It should also be able to be dropped to the ground to allow you to lift your baby closer to you for feedings at night or for soothing. This is especially useful if you're recovering from an operation such as a C-section. For instance, the Next2me and Tutti Bambini cots can be adjusted to a height of 58cm while the Snuzpod 3 goes up to 63cm and the Knuma huddle up to 70cm.
bedside cot wooden cotsfortots is also important to consider the height you would like the bottom of your crib to be. Some moms find it is easier to lift their babies from their standard Moses baskets if the base is at the lowest point, while some prefer a higher elevation to give them more stability. The Joie Roomie Glide is a popular option with one of our mum test subjects saying that it is easy to use with a collapsible part that you can use at the push of one button.
Remember that a bassinet/bedside sleeping device should only be used when your baby is able to 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 turn a bassinet/bedside sleeping system into a cot you will have to take the sides off as soon as they are ready to do this. This will prevent them from climbing out or falling out of the bed.
Design
There are a variety of styles of bedside crib that range from basic to lavish. Some of the more luxurious options include features such as an inbuilt light, a soothing center that plays music and sounds and has two levels that help to soothe your baby back to sleep. Another option is an adjustable footrest that makes it easier for you to reach your child to feed them. You may also find some models that can be converted to a cot bed or toddler bed (or both) ideal for when your child is ready to transition to their own bigger bed.
For example the Tutti Bambini CoZee Air which was awarded Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket category, has a swivelling base that allows you to pick up your baby and move them from one side of the crib to the other without having to get out of bed. This is great for mothers who are recovering from Caesarean births or those who have to remain in bed for long periods of time. MFM mom home tester Jasmine was awed by this feature, saying it was simple to use and made her baby easier - especially after her c-section.
Another option is the Chicco Next2me Magic, which was awarded Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket. It comes with an easy-to-clean liner, reflux incline and rocking function. It's larger than other cribs we've tested, however it folds up into its travel bag to make it relatively compact when it's not in use.
Leya, MFM mum home tester, also appreciated the bedside crib's function. She said it was designed for both parents and children. It has a great design that is very maneuverable and is extremely sturdy. The swivelling base of the bassinet is amazing as it means you can move the bassinet side to side and one of its sides can be let down to facilitate access especially for mothers who are recovering from their C-sections', she said.
Safety
The most important safety feature of a large bedside cot is that it can be adjusted or moved to allow parents to reach their child when they require to feed them, comfort them, or change their nappies. This makes it ideal for mothers who are still recovering from a C-section. Choose a model that lets you lower one side with the press of a button so you can easily lift your baby without needing to get out of the bed. This is particularly important as your baby grows older and more mobile. Avoid adding anything that could increase the chance of suffocation or injury, such as pillowcases and duvets, which can cause your baby to become overheated.
The CPSC's NPR included 24 incidents that were attributed to product issues that included gaps between the bedside sleeper and the adult bed (12 incidents) and enclosed openings with fabric sides (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 looked into the possibility of adding more requirements to bedside sleepers. For example the products would need to meet the minimum height requirements for bassinets, or at least the maximum height requirements for the lowered rail. The CPSC found, however that these requirements weren't feasible or effective in reducing the number of incidents where infants are entrapped by a bedside rail and an adult bed.
Many of the reported incidents in the NPR involved multiuse bedside sleepers that could be converted into other types of use, such as bassinets and play yards. A number of commenters suggested that the CPSC add a second option to the proposed rule for bedside sleepers that are multi-use which would permit them to meet minimum side height requirements for bassinets using an attachment that is removable. The attachment can be permanently fixed or disconnected when the product's not being used as a bassinet for babies.
The CPSC is considering these and other comments that were received in response to its NPR on sleepers who are bedside. The Commission will consider these comments when it votes on the final rule, which is expected to come out in November 2021.