Welcoming a new bundle of joy is always an exciting time for couples. This new chapter in their lives also means one thing – shopping for baby supplies! One of the must-haves is a baby cot or baby crib. As this will be their first bed, keeping them comfortable and safe is of paramount importance.
Nowadays, there are many variations of cots available in the market. They come in all shapes, colors, designs, and styles. But which one is the best? As new parents, you may get overwhelmed and confused. It is a pretty common feeling and is understandable. After all, this piece of furniture will be the centerpiece of the nursery so there are plenty of factors that need to be considered.
To ease out your worries, this article will give you some pointers on what to look out for before making the purchase.
Choose A Cot With Adjustable Mattress Height
The general rule is that as your baby grows older and becomes more mobile, you should be able to adjust the mattress height so your baby can’t climb out of the cot. In other words, it should easily grow with your baby. Baby cots can be expensive so choosing one with the adjustable mattress height is recommended.
This also makes the sleigh cot, among other types, one of the more popular choices. Aside from its unique design, the foundation or base that determines the mattress’s height can be adjusted to a lower positions or settings to assure your baby’s safety. They’re typically made of wood making them sturdy, long-lasting, and sustainable.
Lookout For Certain Safety Features
Wherever you’re buying your cot from, look for the safety seal from your local safety authority. This is also an assurance that the cot you intend to buy has passed mandatory tests and complied with the minimum safety standards. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the leading causes of infant deaths and usually happens when they’re sleeping. To avoid this from happening, be sure to look out for the following:
- Vertical bars of the cot should measure at least 5cm to 9.5cm apart to avoid trapping your baby’s arms and legs between the bars
- The sides of the cot rail should be high enough so that your baby can’t easily climb out
Consider A Convertible Cot
Convertible cots or cribs are becoming more popular as the most practical option. As your baby grows, the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and much more. If the idea of a convertible cot appeals to you, go for it. If you do the math, you might be convinced that this is a good choice when the savings on mattresses and cots come into play.
Safety rails that can be adjusted are one of the best features of a good convertible cot. These can keep your baby from falling out of their cot or crib while still allowing them to move around and grab onto the side rails.
Consider The Storage Space
If you live in a small space, you need to be more strategic with storage solutions and home organization. Thus, find a cot that has built-in storage and maximizes the under-bed space while your baby will not require the height adjustments.
Test It Out
Many baby stores today will have dolls placed on display cots or cribs for you to try out before making the purchase. Seize this opportunity and take time to test it so you are assured that it is easy for you to use and comfortable enough for your baby to sleep in. This is important, as, for stressed and sleepless parents, even the small discomfort can be a major annoyance.
Here are also some ‘ease of use’ indicators you might want to take note of.
- The sides of the cot should be difficult for a baby or child to open but easy enough for an adult to do so
- The drop side of the cot should be secure and will not require a lot of effort to push down or pull up
- Test the crib’s height, such that it’s low enough for you to bend comfortably, without hurting your back
Conclusion
With this guide, you should be feeling a lot more confident in making this decision. After all, buying a cot that meets the standards of comfort, aesthetics, and safety is doable. It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process when you know how to filter your options. Since your baby will be spending her first years of life in this cot, it’s only natural to make the best investment possible.