How to Choose the Best Nursery Cots
Cots are a great place to sleep for your child and offer you much needed respite between feedings, nappy changes and clean-ups. To get the most out of your baby's sleeping time go through our Canstar Blue reviews to find the most suitable nursery cots for your child.
Some cribs are designed to grow with your child and can be converted into a toddler bed using a kit. These are ideal for parents who want to save money on buying a new bed once the baby is old enough.
Size
When selecting the best bassinet or nursery cot, there are a lot of things to consider. If you are buying second-hand, it is essential that the bassinet or cot you select is safe and passes all safety tests. You'll want to ensure that the cot is free from sharp edges or protruding corners, and that there aren't tiny gaps in which your child might be able to get their fingers, head or arms trapped. You should also choose a cot which meets Australian standards.
The size of your cot will depend on the space available and how long it will be used. The majority of cots are around 60 cm 120 cm and are suitable for infants and toddlers. However certain cots are designed to transform into an infant bed or a child's single beds, which means they can be used for longer. This is a great option when you have more than one child and don't want to purchase an entirely new bed for each child.
You can adjust the height of a number of cribs to accommodate your baby's changing body. The adjustable height can be set between 3 and five levels, based on the design. Some cots allow you to remove the entire bed the bed, which can be helpful when your baby is beginning to walk or you want to co-sleep with your child.
Compact cots typically have castors or wheels that make them easy to move between rooms. They can be especially beneficial if your house is small and doesn't have a designated nursery. They can also be used as a cot for travel when you are planning to travel outside the home with your baby, or if you need to move them between the homes of family members to celebrate holidays. Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or even a sofa. This lets you sleep next to your child, providing peace of mind knowing that they are safe and close.
Style
The crib is the most important furniture piece you can buy for your baby. It will need to be sturdy and secure. It shouldn't contain sharp edges or spaces that children can be entangled with their head, fingers or arms entangled. Also, a cot should be in compliance with Australian cot standards. Avoid purchasing second-hand cots since they might not be in compliance with current safety standards.
Cots are available in a variety of styles and colors to match any decor. You can decorate them with a wide range of accessories such as a cot-mobile. These mobiles add contrasting colors and patterns into the crib, which will pique your child's attention and encourage their development of sensory. They can also help soothe your infant during soothing sessions and help them sleep longer.
Wicker cots are also popular. It is reminiscent of simpler times and is ideal for rooms with a natural theme. Its simple design makes this cot a great option for children of any age and is typically less expensive than other cots. If you decide to buy a wicker cot make sure it is constructed from top-quality materials and complies with all applicable safety standards.
There is also a variety of different shapes and finishes for cots. For instance, some come with a built-in storage area. This is a great option to store all of your baby's necessities like nappies, clothing bedding, and other things. Some cots come with legs that allow them to be lifted off the floor, which can help to keep them clean and prevent them from being exposed to germs and dust.
Some cots can transform into a toddler bed which can be used until your baby is about 6 years old. This is particularly beneficial when you are planning to have more children or you want to save money by purchasing multiple beds for your growing family. For instance, the Leander cot with an extension kit can be made into an infant bed that will keep your child until age 7. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long term.
Safety
When shopping for a cot for your nursery, select one that is made of sturdy materials. It should have a solid base and solid sides, with no gaps that could allow fingers to be stuck in the slats. Look for furniture with non-toxic finishes that don't chip or peel. If you're unsure about the quality of a product look for certifications proving that it has been tested to meet all relevant regulations.
Some parents prefer a Moses basket, crib or cot instead of a traditional bed. They are great for infants, as they offer the baby with a safe place to sleep and not have to leave them to themselves. If your baby is too big for this cot it is possible to use the top of the cot to allow them to leave smaller spaces.
To reduce the risk for Sudden Infant Demise Syndrome (SIDS) to reduce the risk of developing SIDS, it is crucial to adhere to the guidelines for sleeping. NHS UK recommends using a firm mattress and eliminating pillows, blankets and toys that could cause the suffocation of your child.
Other possible hazards include dressers, bookshelves and other storage furniture that can tip over when a curious child leans on or climbs up on them. Be sure that all large pieces are securely fixed to the wall and are regularly examined for stability. Also, place heavier items at the bottom of shelves and drawers to distribute their weight and prevent accidents.
Choking hazards are a different safety concern in a nursery. Children love to nibble on corners, slats and other parts of the rails of the cot. You can avoid these hazards by choosing a cot with round corners and no protruding edges, or by removing these elements once your child is old enough to stand on their own.
Additionally it is recommended to avoid using any wall-mounted decorative items or clocks with long cords near the cot. If their hands or toes get caught in the cords, babies and children can be strangled. Also, make sure that cots are kept away from windows where blinds or curtains have long cords that can cause the possibility of falling.
Originality
One of the most important aspects in a nursery for babies is their bed, since it will be where they spend the majority of their their first year. It is therefore worth investing in a chic crib that can set the tone for your room's décor. There are a variety of options available on the market. These include contemporary cots that feature sleek designs and clean-lined lines. They will blend seamlessly in any space. There are also more traditional cots, like metal ones, which are great for rooms decorated in vintage styles.
mini cot beds have an organic appearance and are compatible with a variety of nursery decors. They are typically made of beech, maple, or birch and are typically coated with varnish to guard against accidental scratches. They can be quite expensive however, which means they aren't suitable for everyone's budget.
If you're in search of a baby cot that's unique, consider one with curved corners. This will give it a distinct style that will help it stand apart from other cots on the market. These cots also offer additional storage space underneath.
A cot can be turned into a toddler and daybed. This is an excellent way to get the most out of your money, and ensure that your child’s bed will last throughout the entire growing stage. Some cots are sold with conversion kits, while others can be bought separately.
When selecting a cot, make sure that it meets British safety standards. This includes ensuring that the mattress is placed properly and there aren't any gaps where your child can fall out of the crib. You should also take off any stickers or decorations that could pose a choking hazard and check that the bars aren't close to each other.
There is a vast variety of cots online and in-store at retailers such as Dunelm, Ikea and John Lewis. Always shop in store, as you can see the cots and decide if it is right for your child.