How to Choose the Best Nursery Cots
Cots allow your baby to rest comfortably and provide you with a break between feedings, changing nappies, and cleaning up. To maximize your baby's sleep, check out our Canstar Blue reviews to find the most suitable nursery cots for your child.
Some cots can be converted to a toddler bed with the help of a kit. These are perfect for parents who don't wish to spend money on the purchase of a new bed once their child is old enough.
Size
When choosing the right bassinet or nursery crib, there are numerous factors to take into consideration. If you're purchasing second-hand, you must ensure that the cot or bassinet you choose passes all safety tests. You'll need to ensure that the cot is free from sharp edges or protruding corners, and that there aren't tiny gaps in which your child could get their fingers, head or arms caught. It is also important to select an cot that is in compliance with Australian standards.
The size of the cot you choose will depend on your space and the length you're planning to keep it in use. Most standard cots are about 60 cm 120 cm and are suitable for infants and toddlers. However, some cots are designed to transform into a toddler bed or children's single bed, so they can be used for a longer period of time. This is a great option when you have more than one child and you don't want to purchase a new bed for each child.
Many cots have adjustable height settings so you can change the mattress to suit your baby's growing body. These can be adjusted between 3 and 5 levels based on the design. Some cots also allow you to take off one side of the bed completely which is helpful as your baby begins to walk or you want to test sleeping with your baby infant.
Compact cots are usually on wheels or castors so they can easily be moved between rooms. They are a great option if you have an apartment that is small and do not have a nursery. You can also use them as an alternative to a crib for travel if you plan to spend time away from home with your baby or if they need to be transported between homes of family members during holidays. Some cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or a sofa. This allows your toddler to sleep beside you and gives you peace of mind knowing they're safe and close at hand.
Style
A cot is the centrepiece of your nursery and is the most important piece of furniture that you'll have to purchase for your baby. It must be sturdy and safe. It should not have sharp protruding edges and have no spaces where a child's head, fingers or arms could get entangled. The cot must also comply with Australian standards for cots. You should avoid buying second-hand cots since they might not meet the current safety standards.
Cots come in a variety of styles and colours to match any decor. You can embellish them with a range of accessories, including mobiles for cots. These mobiles bring contrasting colors and patterns to the crib, attracting your baby's attention and stimulating sensory development. They can aid your baby to sleep more comfortably and help them relax during their quiet time.
Another popular design is the Wicker cot. This material is reminiscent of simpler times and is perfect for rooms with a natural theme. Its simple design makes this cot a fantastic option for children of any age and is typically less expensive than other cots. If you decide to purchase a wicker crib, be sure it is made from top-quality materials and that it is in compliance with all safety standards.
There are also cots that come in various shapes and styles. Some cots have a built-in space for storage. This is a convenient method to store all the baby's toys, including bedding, nappies, clothes and other essentials. Some cots come with legs that allow them to be lifted off the floor, which helps to keep them clean and protect them from being exposed to dust and other germs.
Some cots are designed to convert into a toddler bed which can be used until your baby is about 6 years old. This feature is especially useful if you plan to have more 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 transformed into a toddler bed that will keep your child until age 7. This option will save you time and money.
Safety
Choose a sturdy cot constructed of durable materials when you shop for a nursery cot. It should have a solid base and solid sides with no gaps that can allow fingers to be stuck in the slats. Make sure the furniture has non-toxic finishes that don't chip or peel. If you're unsure about the safety of a product check for certifications that show that it has been vetted and meets all regulations applicable to it.
Some parents opt for a Moses basket or crib instead of a traditional cot. These are ideal for newborns as they provide an ideal place for babies to sleep without having to leave them alone. However, if your baby is growing too large for these things you can make use of a cot top change to move them out of these smaller spaces.
To reduce the risk for Sudden Infant Demise Syndrome (SIDS), it is important that you follow sleep guidelines. NHS UK recommends using a firm mattress and eliminating pillows, blankets, toys or bumpers that could lead to suffocation.
Bookshelves, dressers and other storage furniture could be a danger when children are curious and climbs on or leans on them. Make sure that any tall pieces are securely anchored to the wall and are regularly checked for stability. Also, keep heavier objects on the bottom of shelves and drawers to distribute their weight and avoid accidents.
Another safety issue is the presence of choking hazards in the nursery. Children are known to eat on the cot rail, corners, or slats. You can avoid these hazards by purchasing a cot with smooth corners and edges that are not protruding or by removing these elements once your child is old enough to stand up on their own.
Also, you should avoid placing any wall-mounted clocks or other accessories with long cords near the cot. If top ranked cribs or toes are caught in the cords, children and babies could be strangled. Set cots in a safe distance from windows that have long cords on blinds or curtains that could result in an accident.
Originality
One of the most important aspects in a nursery for babies is their bed, since it is where they will spend the majority of their time during their first year. This is why it is worth investing in a fashionable cot that will help to establish the tone for the rest of the decor in the room. There are numerous options on the market. There are modern cots that have sleek lines and sleek designs. They can blend seamlessly with any decor. There are also traditional cots, such as metal ones, which are ideal for rooms that are decorated in vintage styles.
Wooden cots are also very popular because they have an organic design that is a perfect match for many different nursery decors. They are usually made of beech, maple, or birch and are usually coated with varnish to protect them from accidental scratches. However, they can be expensive and not suitable for all budgets.
If you're looking for an exclusive baby cot, consider buying one with curves on the edges. This will give it a unique design that makes it stand out from other cots that are available. They also have more storage space beneath.
A cot can be converted into a toddler bed and a day bed. This is a great method to get more value for your money and it will ensure that your child's bed will last through all their developmental stages. Some cots come with conversion kits and others can be purchased separately.
When choosing a cot, ensure that it meets British safety regulations. This includes ensuring that the mattress is set correctly and that there are no gaps where your child can escape from the crib. You should also remove any decorations or stickers that could be an choking hazard, and make sure that the bars aren't too close to each other.
You can find a wide selection of cots on the internet and in-store at stores such as Dunelm, Ikea and John Lewis. Always go to the store to shop, so that you can view the cots and decide whether it is suitable for your child.