How to Choose the Best Nursery Cots
Cots provide quality sleep for your child and provide you with the much-needed break between feedings, nappy changes and cleaning up. To maximize your baby's sleep, check out our Canstar Blue reviews to find the best nursery cots for your little one.
Some cots are made to adapt to your child's needs and can be transformed to a toddler bed with kits. These are great for parents who want to save money on buying a new bed once the baby is old enough.
Size
There are a variety of things to consider when choosing the right bassinet or nursery cot. If you're purchasing second-hand, it is essential that the cot or bassinet you select is safe and passes all safety tests. You'll need to make sure the cot doesn't have sharp edges or protruding corner, and that it has no small gaps that could trap your baby's head, fingers or arms. It's also crucial to select an infant cot that meets Australian standards for infant beds.
The size of the cot you choose will be determined by the size of your space and how long you plan to use it. The most common cots measure around 60 cm x 120 cm that are suitable for infants and toddlers. However certain cots are designed to transform into an infant bed or a child's single bed, meaning they can be used for longer. This is a great option if you want to avoid purchasing a new bed every time you have a child.
You can alter the height of a number of cribs to accommodate the body changes of your baby. The adjustable height can be set between 3 and 5 levels depending on the design. Some cots allow you to remove the entire side of the bed, which can be useful when your baby begins to walk, or if you'd like to sleep with your little one.
Compact cots usually have wheels or castors to make them easy to move between rooms. They can be especially useful in homes that are small and doesn't have a designated nursery. They can also be used as a cot for travel when you are planning to travel out of the house with your child or to transfer them between homes of family members for holidays. Some cots are also convertible into a tiny toddler bed or even sofas. This allows you to sleep beside your child, providing peace of mind knowing that they are safe and within reach.
Style
The crib is the most important furniture piece you'll purchase for your baby. It should be sturdy and secure. It should not contain sharp edges or spaces that children can get their fingers, head or arms entangled. A cot must also meet Australian cot standards. It's important that you don't buy second-hand cots as they might not meet current safety standards.
Cots come in a wide range of styles and colours to suit any decor. They can also be decorated with many accessories, including mobiles for cots. These mobiles add contrasting patterns and colors into the crib, which will draw your baby's interest and stimulate their sensory development. They can also soothe your baby during calm times and help them to sleep better.
Another style that is popular is the Wicker the cot. This material brings back memories of simpler times, and it is perfect for a natural-themed room. Its minimalist design makes it a great option for babies of all age groups, and it's often cheaper than other types of cots. However, if you choose to buy a wicker cot ensure that it is constructed from top-quality materials and complies with all safety standards that are in force.
There is also many different shapes and finishes for cots. For example, some come with a built-in storage space. This is a convenient method to keep all the baby's items including nappies, bedding, clothing and other necessities. Some cots are elevated off the ground, which makes them clean and keeps them from being contaminated by dust and other germs.
Some cots are designed to convert into a toddler bed, which can be used until your child is around 6 years old. This is particularly beneficial for families planning to have additional children or want to save money by purchasing more beds for your growing family. For example the Leander cot with an extension kit can be converted into a toddler bed that can keep your child until age 7. This option could save you a lot of time and money in the long term.
Safety
Choose a sturdy cot made of durable materials when shopping for a crib for your baby's nursery. It should have a sturdy base and solid sides with no gaps that could cause fingers to become stuck in the slats. Look for furniture with non-toxic finishes and does not chip or peel. If you are uncertain about the safety of a product, check for certifications that prove it has been tested to ensure it meets all relevant requirements.
Some parents prefer the Moses basket or crib instead of a traditional cot. These are perfect for babies because they provide an ideal place for babies to sleep and not have to leave them to themselves. If your baby is becoming too large for these items it is possible to use a cot top change to help them transition from smaller rooms.
In addition to ensuring that your child's cot is secure It is also important to follow sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). NHS UK recommends using a firm mattress and eliminating pillows, blankets, toys or bumpers that could cause suffocation.
Bookshelves, dressers, and other storage furniture are also a risk if an uninitiated child climbs on them or leans on them. Be sure to verify the stability of any tall pieces and secure them to the wall. Keep heavier objects at the bottom of shelves and drawers to spread the weight out and prevent accidents.
Choking hazards are a further danger in a nursery. Children love to nibble on corners, slats or other components of the cot rail. You can stay clear of these dangers by buying a cot that has smooth corners and edges that are not protruding or eliminating these elements when your child is old enough to stand on their own.
In addition it is advised to not use any wall-mounted decorative items or clocks with cords that are long close to the cot. Children and infants are at risk of strangulation if get their hands or feet trapped in these cords. Also, position cots away from windows where blinds or curtains have long cords that can cause the possibility of falling.
Originality
The bed is among the most important parts of a baby's bedroom, since it is where they will spend the majority of their first year. This is why it is worth investing in a fashionable cot that will help to set the tone for the rest of the room's decor. There are a variety of options on the market, including modern cots that have modern designs and clean lines that blend seamlessly into any space. There are also traditional cots such as those made of metal that are perfect for rooms decorated in traditional style.
Wooden cots are sought-after because of their organic design that is a perfect match for an array of nursery decors. They are typically made of beech, maple or birch and are usually coated with varnish to guard against accidental scratches. However they can be costly and not suitable for everyone's budget.
If you're looking to purchase an exclusive baby cot, think about buying one with curved edges. This gives the cot a distinct look, making it stand out among other cots. These cots are also renowned for being extremely practical, since they provide more space under the cot to store things.
Another option is to buy a cot that is transformed into a toddler bed and a day bed. This is an excellent way to get the most value of your money, and ensure that your child’s bed will last for the entire development phase. Some cots are sold with conversion kits, while others can be purchased separately.
When you are choosing a cot ensure that it complies with British safety standards. It is important to ensure that the mattress fits correctly and there are no gaps that could let your child escape the crib. Also, you should remove any stickers or decorations that could pose an choking hazard, and make sure that the bars aren't close to each other.
You can find a range of cots both online and in stores at retailers like Dunelm Ikea and John Lewis. It is usually best to purchase from a store because you'll be able to see the cots up close and decide if they're right for your baby.