How to Choose the Best Nursery CotsCots offer a restful and comfortable sleep for your child and provide you with the needed time to relax between feedings, nappy changes and cleaning up. To maximize your baby's sleep take a look at our Canstar Blue reviews to find the best nursery cots for your baby.
Some cots can be converted to an infant bed using a kit. These are perfect for parents who don't wish to buy a new bed when their child is old enough.
Size
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting the right bassinet or nursery cot. If you're purchasing second-hand, it is important that the bassinet or cot you select has passed all safety tests. You'll need to ensure that the cot doesn't have sharp edges or protruding corners, and that it has no small gaps which could hold your baby's head, fingers or arms. You should also select a cot which meets Australian standards.
The size of the cot you select will be determined by the size of your space and the length of time you intend to keep it in use. Standard cots measure 60 cm by 120 cm and are suitable for infants and toddlers. However, some cots are designed to transform into an infant bed or a child's single bed, meaning they can be used for a longer period of time. This is a great option if you have more than one child and don't want to buy an entirely new bed for each child.
You can alter the height of many cots to suit the changing body of your baby. They can be adjusted between 3 and 5 levels based on the design. Some cots also allow you to remove one side of the bed completely which can be useful when your baby is beginning to walk or you'd like to try sleeping with your baby infant.
Small cots are usually equipped with castors or wheels to enable them to easily move between rooms. They are a great option for those who have a small home and don't have a nursery. They can also serve as a travel cot when you plan to go away from home with your child, or if you need to transfer them between the homes of family members for holidays. Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or even sofas. This allows you to sleep next to your child, giving you peace-of-mind that they are safe and within reach.
Style
A cot is the focal point of your nursery and is the most essential piece of furniture you'll need to buy for your baby. It will need to be sturdy and secure. It shouldn't contain sharp edges or spaces where children could be entangled with their head, fingers or arms entangled. Additionally, a cot must be in compliance with Australian cot standards. It's important that you don't purchase second-hand cots, as they might not meet current safety standards.
Cots are available in a variety of styles and colors to complement any decor. You can decorate them with a wide range of accessories, including a cot-mobile. These mobiles introduce contrasting colours and patterns to the crib, capturing your baby's attention as well as stimulating sensory development. They can also help soothe your baby during calming sessions and help them sleep longer.
Wicker cots are also popular. This material evokes memories of simpler times, and is perfect for a natural-themed room. Its simple style makes it an excellent choice for babies of all different ages, and is often cheaper than other types of cots. If you decide to purchase a wicker crib, be sure it is made from high-quality materials, and it meets all safety standards.
There are also various shapes and finishes for cots. For instance, some come with storage built-in. This is a great way to store all of your baby's essentials including nappies, clothes bedding, toys and more. Some cots are elevated off of the ground, which keeps them cleaner and prevents them from being exposed dust and other bacterial infections.
Some cots can be transformed into a toddler's bed which can be used up to the age of six years. This feature is especially useful if you plan to have additional children or wish to save money by purchasing more beds for your growing family. The Leander cot can be changed into a toddler bed which will last your child until they reach the age of 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 nursery cot. It should have a solid base and solid sides, with no gaps between slats that could let baby fingers get stuck in them. Look for furniture with non-toxic finishes and does not chip or peel. If you're unsure about the safety of a product, seek out certifications that prove it has been tested to ensure it meets all applicable regulations.
Some parents prefer the Moses basket or a crib instead of a traditional bed. These are perfect for newborns as they provide a safe place to sleep for your baby without having to leave the child alone. If your baby gets too large for this type of cot it is possible to use the cot top to help them move out of these smaller spaces.
In addition to making sure that your child's cot is secure, it is important to follow sleep guidelines to reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). NHS UK recommends using a firm mattress and avoid using pillows, blankets and toys that could cause suffocation.
Dressers, bookshelves and other storage furniture are also a risk in the event that a curious child climbs or leans on them. Be sure to check the stability of any large pieces and secure them to the wall. Also, keep heavier objects on the bottom of shelves and drawers so that they can distribute their weight and prevent accidents.
Choking hazards are a different security concern in the nursery. Many children love nibbling on slats, corners or other components of the rails of the cot. You can stay clear of these dangers by buying a cot that has round corners and no edges that protrude or removing these elements once your child is old enough to stand up on their own.
Additionally it is advised to not use any wall-mounted ornaments or clocks with cords that are long close to the cot. Children and babies are at risk of strangulation when they are able to get their feet or hands stuck in the cords. Also, keep cots 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 most of their time during their first few years. Therefore, it is worth investing in a modern crib that sets the style for your room's decor. There are many options available on the market, including contemporary cots with sleek designs and clean lines that will blend seamlessly into any space. There are also more traditional cots, like metal ones, which are great for rooms that are decorated with vintage-inspired styles.
Wooden cribs also have a more organic appearance and are compatible with many nursery decors. They are usually made of birch, maple or beech and are usually varnished to protect them from accidental scratches. However they can be costly and are not suited to all budgets.
If you're looking for a child cot that's distinctive, look into a cot with curving corners. This will give it a very distinctive aesthetic that will make it stand out from other cots on the market. They also provide additional storage space underneath.
A cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and a daybed. This is a great way to make the most of your money, and ensure that your child’s bed will last for their entire growth stage. Some cots come with conversion kits while others are available for purchase separately.
When selecting a cot, ensure that it complies with British safety regulations. This includes checking that the mattress is fitted properly and there aren't any gaps that your child may fall out of the crib. Remove any decorations or stickers that could create the risk of choking. Also, make sure that the bars of the crib aren't too close.
You can find a large selection of cots on the internet and in-store at stores such as Dunelm, Ikea and John Lewis. It is recommended to shop in-store, because you'll be able to view the cots in person and determine if they're suitable for your baby.
