How to Choose the Best Nursery Cots
Cots let your baby rest comfortably and provide you with a break between feedings, changing nappies and cleaning up. Look through our Canstar Blue reviews for the best nursery cots to make sure that your child gets the best night's sleep possible.
Some cribs are designed to grow with your child and can be made into a toddler bed by using kits. These are perfect for parents who don't want to buy the purchase of a new bed once their child is old enough.
Size
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting the ideal bassinet or nursery cot. If you're buying second-hand, it is important that the bassinet or cot you select is safe and passes all safety tests. You'll need to make sure the cot doesn't have any sharp edges or protruding corners and also no small gaps which could hold your baby's head, fingers or arms. It's also essential to choose an infant cot that meets Australian standards for infant beds.
The size of the cot you select will depend on your space and how long you plan to keep it in use. Standard cots measure 60 cm by 120 cm and are suitable for infants or toddlers. Some cots can be converted to a single or toddler bed for children, allowing them to be used for a longer period of time. This is a great choice when you're looking to avoid buying a brand new bed every time you have a child.
Many cots have adjustable height settings, so you can adjust the mattress to fit your baby's growing body. These can be adjusted between 3 and 5 levels, depending on the design. Some cots allow you to remove the entire side of the bed, which is useful when your baby begins to walk or you'd like to sleep with your baby.
Compact cots typically have castors or wheels to allow them to be easily moved between rooms. They can be especially useful if your home is small and doesn't have a separate nursery. You can also use them as a travel crib if you are planning to spend time away from home with your child or need to be transferred between houses of family members for holidays. Some cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or sofa. This allows your little one to sleep with you, giving you peace of mind that they are 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 will need to be strong and secure. It should not have sharp edges or areas that children can get their hands, head or arms entangled. The cot must also comply with Australian cot standards. You should avoid buying second-hand cots since they might not meet the current safety standards.
Cots are available in a variety of styles and colors to match any decor. You can personalize them with a wide range of accessories including a cot-mobile. These mobiles add contrasting patterns and colors into the crib, which will capture your baby's interest and stimulate their sensory development. They can aid your baby to sleep longer and soothe them during their quiet time.
Wicker cots are also very popular. This material evokes simpler times and is ideal for rooms with an organic theme. Its simple design makes this cot a fantastic option for children of all ages and is typically less expensive than other cots. If you decide to buy a wicker crib, be sure it's made of high-quality materials, and it meets all safety standards.
There is also various shapes and finishes for cots. For instance, some come with a built-in storage space. This is a great place to store all your baby's essentials, such as nappies, clothes bedding, and other things. Some cots are elevated from the ground, which makes them clean and keeps them from being exposed dust and other germs.
Some cots can convert into a toddler bed, which can be used until your child is around 6 years old. This feature is particularly useful when you're planning to have more children or to save money by purchasing more beds for your growing family. For example the Leander cot that has an extension kit can be converted into an infant bed that will keep your child until age 7. This will save your time and money.
Safety
Choose a sturdy cot constructed of durable materials when looking for a crib for your baby's nursery. It should have a solid base and solid sides, with no gaps between the slats that might allow baby fingers to get stuck in them. Check for furniture that has non-toxic finishes and does not chip or peel. If you're unsure about the security of a product, look for certifications proving that it has been tested to meet all applicable requirements.
crib sets opt for the Moses basket or a crib instead of a traditional bed. They are great for babies because they offer a secure place to sleep for the baby without leaving him alone. If your baby grows too big for this cot you can use the cot top to move them out of these smaller spaces.
To lower the risk of Sudden Infant Demise Syndrome (SIDS) It is crucial to adhere to the sleep guidelines. NHS UK recommends a firm mattress, and avoiding loose blankets, pillows or toys that can cause the child to suffocate.
Bookshelves, dressers and other furniture for storage are also a risk in the event that a curious child climbs or leans against them. Be sure that all high-heeled pieces are securely attached to the wall and regularly examined for stability. Also, keep heavier items on the bottom of drawers and shelves to redistribute their weight to prevent accidents.
Another safety issue is the presence of choking hazards in the nursery. Many children like to nibble on the cot rail, corners, or slats. You can stay clear of these dangers by choosing a cot with round corners and edges that are not protruding, or by removing these elements once 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 lengthy cords near the cot. If their toes or hands are stuck in the cords, children and babies could be strangled. Also, keep cots away from windows where curtains or blinds have long cords that could cause a fall.
Originality
One of the most important aspects in a nursery for babies is their bed, since it will be the place they spend the majority of their time during their first year. It is therefore worth investing in a chic crib that will set the tone for your room's décor. There are many options available on the market, including modern cots with sleek designs and clean lines that seamlessly blend into any space. There are also more traditional cots, like metal ones, which are perfect for rooms decorated in classic styles.
Wooden cots are also very popular due to their organic appearance that can be paired with an array of nursery decors. They are usually made of maple or birch and are then varnished to protect them against accidental scratches. They can be costly however, which means they aren't suitable for everyone's budget.
If you're looking for a truly unique baby cot, consider buying one with curved edges. This will give it a very distinctive aesthetic that will help it stand apart from other cots available on the market. They also provide more storage space beneath.
A cot can be transformed into a toddler and day bed. This is a great way to get more value for your money and will ensure that your child's bed will last through all their developmental stages. Some cots are equipped with conversion kits, whereas others can be purchased separately.
When you are choosing a cot ensure that it is in compliance with British safety standards. This includes checking that the mattress is fitted correctly and that there are no gaps where your child may slip out of the crib. Remove any decorations or stickers which could pose the risk of choking. Also, ensure that the bars of the crib aren't too close.
You can find a range of cots on the internet and in stores at retailers such as Dunelm Ikea and John Lewis. Always go to the store to shop, so that you can view the cots and determine if it is right for your child.