Find the best babys cot for your newborn

When the baby arrives, one of the most important decisions you must make, apart from choosing the right colour for their bedroom, is finding the perfect babys cot. This requires time and extensive research. Remember, your baby will spend a significant amount of their first 2 – 3 years in this nursery furniture, so you need to choose wisely.

There are many baby cots on the market, but finding one with the required sturdiness, comfort, and safety features can be challenging. Choosing the right baby cot will make it easy to carry the baby in and out of the cot and reduce the risk of injury. It also helps to sleep train your baby so they can easily transition from cot to bed.

This guide will cut through all the information and highlight what you need to know about choosing a toddler bed that will provide the comfort and safety required while improving the overall look of the nursery.

What is the best material for a babys cot?

Like other pieces of furniture, baby cots come in different materials. However, wood and metal are the most common materials. Each material comes with its own properties, which must be taken into account when buying a baby cot. Let’s take a closer look at the different materials to help you make a better choice.

Wood

Wood is not only a natural beauty but also a safe material for kids' furniture. It's one of the best materials for baby cots. Wooden baby cots will add warmth and a natural look to your nursery while providing a comfortable and safe place for your baby to sleep. You can choose from different types and sizes of wooden cots with extra storage space. The most common types of wood are beech, oak, and teak.

Baby cots made from beech wood are durable, shock-absorbent, affordable, odourless, and easy to maintain. Teak is also durable, easy to maintain, and has a high oil content, which makes it waterproof and resistant to termite attacks. Oak is another excellent choice for toddler beds. It’s known for its reliability and durability. In addition, it does not splinter or chip, making it a safe option for kids' furniture.

When choosing wooden baby cots, ensure it's not treated with chemicals or substances that can be harmful or dangerous to your baby. Ensure you check the product description before making a purchase.

Metal

Cots made from metal are a popular choice among young and older parents. This is because they are easy to clean and provide better ventilation for mattresses. Metal is also known for its exceptional strength and durability, and you can find metal baby cots in attractive and intricate designs that can enhance the look of your little one’s nursery or bedroom. The only downside of metal cots is that they feel colder during cold weather because they are good thermal conductors.

What baby cot size should you choose?

Choosing the right toddler bed size is important as it impacts the safety of your baby and the aesthetics of the space. It also influences the comfortability of the cot. Below, we take a closer look at the different cot sizes you can choose for your baby.

Standard size

The standard size of a cot for a baby is about 60cm by 120cm. These cots have a traditional design and style. They are ideal for children who are 18 to 24 months old. The size of your nursery will determine the size of the toddler bed cot you purchase. The dimensions of standard cots work well in large spaces and nurseries. They look great in the centre of a room or an open-layout area.

Mini size

The standard measurement of a mini toddler bed is 50cm by 100cm. Also known as portable cots, these baby cots are a great alternative to larger options. They are small in size, making them easy for compact or smaller spaces. They are also lightweight, and some models can be folded or packed away for extended stays or travel. Mini cots are also a good option for homes that don't have a children's room or for rooms used for multiple purposes. Their small size means they won't fit your baby for a longer period as standard cots will. If your baby is using a mini cot, ensure you monitor their size to be sure they still fit comfortably.

Cot mattress size

If you have a standard-sized cot, you’ll need a standard-sized cot mattress. The same applies to mini-sized cot mattresses. Essentially, the cot mattress should be 5cm to 10cm thick but not thicker than 15cm. Most importantly, the gap between the mattress and the newborn baby cot should not be larger than two fingers. Standard-sized cot mattresses are usually 5cm to 10cm thick and not higher than 15cm, while mini-sized mattresses are 2cm to 4cm and not thicker than 5cm.

Height of the cot

There isn't a huge difference in the height of baby cots. However, this can be crucial if you're short or tall. Keeping in mind the number of times you have to lift the baby in and out of the cot, choosing a newborn cot that suits you is a good idea. You may find models that sit low to the floor, allowing you to lift the baby onto your back easily.

What colour should you choose for a cot and cot bed?

Like adults, children are well-aware of colour. Different colours have been linked with enhanced productivity, brain development, and transition from childhood to adulthood. Colour also influences a child’s mood and emotions. Selecting the right colour for your baby sleeping cot can provide better sleeping conditions for little ones while making mothers feel more at ease. You may want to avoid bright colours as they may affect the development of your baby's vision. It's best to choose warm colours. Here, we look at some colours you can choose from your baby's cot and cot bed.

• Yellow and white

Yellow cots and cot beds stimulate natural curiosity in children. The colour also helps them develop an interest in learning and is an excellent choice for kids' rooms, play areas, and study rooms. White needs no introduction as it is used in most furniture. Because of its regular use, it will not have any health or psychological effects on your baby.

• Brown and pink

Brown is the colour of the earth, making it a great choice for baby cots. However, it's best to choose beige or dark chocolate brown cots and cot beds. Try to avoid middle shades. Pink is a warm colour that can make your baby feel the warmth of their mother. It is also ideal for creating the perfect setting for the baby to sleep more peacefully.

• Blue

Blue creates a cool and relaxing environment that enhances creativity. It’s also lively and can reduce mental stress. Choosing blue cots and cot beds will help your baby fall asleep more easily.

Additional features to look out for when choosing baby cots

In addition to material, size, and colour, there are a few other things to keep in mind when looking for a baby cot. Here are a few points to help you find the perfect cot for a newborn.

Safety standards

All toddler beds sold in stores and online must comply with certain industry standards. For example, in the UK, all cots must conform to the British Safety Standard (BSEN716). These standards are meant to reduce the risk of accidents and injury.

Adjustable height

Some cots come with a height-adjustable feature that allows you to change the height of the sleeping platform to suit the development stage of your baby. Depending on the baby crib design you choose, the height settings can range from level 3 to 5, with the highest setting suited for newborns. You can lower it gradually as your child grows or starts standing on their feet.

Detachable side rail

Some models come with side rails that can be completely removed. This is great for parents who want their newborns to sleep beside their beds. It's also a great feature for babies who have grown up, and you want to give them more freedom to get in and out of their bed.

Conversion kits

Standard cots don't come with conversion kits, but some models have this feature. Conversion kits make the baby bed incredibly versatile as they can be easily converted to accommodate the needs of your growing child. Most of these models can be converted from a cot to a cot bed.

Matching furniture

If you want to furnish the whole room, you may want to go for complete baby and toddler furniture sets. These include all the essential nursery furniture you need for your babies, such as changing tables, high chairs, booster seats, and toddler cot beds.

Baby cot safety guidelines

Here are a few safety tips for cots and cot beds.

• Cot bars

The vertical cot bars should be no more than 5.6cm apart. This ensures the baby doesn't stick its limbs between the bars.

• Space and depth

There should be a distance of about 50cm from the top of the mattress to the uppermost part of the cot. This will prevent the baby from climbing out of the crib cot.

• Buy a new mattress

It's strongly recommended to buy a new mattress for your baby's cot. It should be clean, dry, and firm. You should also choose a mattress with a removable cover that can be washed in a washing machine. And as you may already know, nappies leak sometimes. So, you may want to buy a mattress protector as well.

• Circulation

A baby’s cot bed with four sides allows air to circulate freely.

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