Out of all the decisions you need to make when it comes to baby gear, buying baby’s cot is one of the most important. You want your baby to be safe and comfortable, because let’s face it, the majority of your newborn’s day will be spent sleeping in that cot! While it might seem like any old cot will do, there are certain things you need to consider before you buy – where will you put the cot (in a small space? in the nursery?), is it safe, can it be used past the baby stage? As a new mom, it can be hard to determine which cot is best for your baby. So before you head to the store, consider these 5 important tips to help you decide.
5 Things to Consider when Buying a Cot
1. Space
The size of your room, whether it’s the nursery or your bedroom, can make a huge difference when choosing the cot. For the first six months, your baby will most likely be sleeping in the same room as you. Not all rooms can accommodate a full cot, so a smaller solution like a moses basket or bassinet may be required for the first six months. If you do decide to go straight to the cot, look for one that can be used from birth to 2 years.
2. Adjustable base height
Look for a cot that comes with an adjustable base. Most cots will come with 2-3 mattress positions to accommodate a baby from birth to toddler.
- The highest position is used from birth until baby can roll over (usually up to 5-6 months)
- The second position is used until baby can pull up to standing (usually until 1 year)
- The third (and lowest) position is used until baby is able to climb out (usually until 18 months)
3. Teething Rails
Because your little one may use the rail of the cot as a teething toy, look for a cot made with non-toxic materials. You may also want to consider getting a clear non-toxic plastic covering for your crib rails so your little one can chomp away safely once their teeth start to appear.
4. Safety First
When it comes to your baby, their safety is your number one priority. When buying your little one’s crib, keep these safety tips in mind:
- The gap between the mattress and cot should be no larger than 3cm
- Baby should always sleep on their back
- When placing baby’s cot in the room, keep it away from windows, radiators and any blinds or cords.
- Use lightweight bedding designed for use in a crib like Bubzi Co.’s organic cotton crib sheets. These sheets come in adorable patterns like stars and clouds or designs like flamingos and cars. They’re super soft and are guaranteed free from any hazardous substances so you can rest assured baby is sleeping safe and comfortable.
- When assembling the cot, make sure it is rigid and doesn’t wobble.
- Avoid using a second-hand mattress - always buy new for baby’s safety.
5. From infancy to toddlerhood
It might be hard to think about where your baby’s going to sleep once they’re a toddler, especially if you’re buying the cot before the baby is born! But it’s a good idea to think about investing in a cot that can also convert to a toddler bed. Many cots come with conversion kits that allow you to transform your cot into a conventional single bed.
Setting up the nursery is one of the most fun parts of getting ready for baby. From choosing a theme to picking up adorable accessories like mobiles, wall decals and crib organizers, there’s so many awesome things that come with planning the nursery. But let’s face it, as a new mom, selecting and purchasing the cot is probably one of the most difficult parts, and should be done with care and attention to ensure the safety of your little one. So as you head out to start looking for your newborn’s cot, keep these 5 baby cot ideas in mind to help you with your decision.
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