How to Choose the Best Nursery Cots

Cots can help your baby sleep comfortably and also give you some time between feedings, changing nappies and cleaning up. To maximize your baby's sleeping time go through our Canstar Blue reviews to find the best baby cots nursery cots for your little one.

Some cots are designed to adapt to your child's needs and can be converted into a toddler bed using the kit. These are great for parents who want to avoid the expense of a new bed after the baby is old enough.

Size

When choosing the right bassinet or nursery cot, there are a lot of things to take into account. It's important to ensure that your choice passes all required safety tests particularly if you're buying second-hand. You'll want to be sure that the cot isn't splintered of sharp edges or protruding corners and that there aren't tiny gaps that your baby could be able to get their fingers, head or arms entangled. You should also choose the cot that meets Australian standards.

The size of the cot you choose will be determined by the size of your space and the length you're planning to keep it in use. Standard cots measure 60cm by 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 bed, meaning they can be used for a longer period of time. This is a great choice for families with more than one child and you don't want to purchase a new bed for each child.

You can adjust the height of a number of cots to fit your baby's changing body. They can be adjusted between 3 and 5 levels, based on the design. Some cots let you take off the entire side of the bed, which is useful when your baby begins to walk or if you'd like to sleep with your child.

Small cots are usually mounted on wheels or castors so they can be moved easily between rooms. These can be particularly useful in homes that are small and doesn't have a designated nursery. You can also use them as an infant crib when you're planning to travel away from home with your baby or need to be transferred between family members' houses for holidays. Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or sofa. This allows your toddler to sleep alongside you, giving you peace of mind that they are secure and in your reach.

Style

A cot is the centrepiece of your nursery and the most essential piece of furniture you'll need to buy for your baby. It should be sturdy and safe. It should be free of sharp edges protruding from the sides and no places where children's arms, fingers or head might get caught in. A cot should also be in compliance with Australian standards for cots. Avoid buying second-hand cots as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards.

Cots are available in a range of styles and colors to match any decor. They can even be decorated with a variety of accessories, such as a cot mobile. These mobiles introduce contrasting colours and patterns to the crib, drawing your baby's attention and stimulating sensory development. They can also help soothe your baby during calm times and help them to sleep better.

Another popular style is a wicker cot. It is a material that brings back memories of simpler times, and it is ideal for a natural-themed room. Its simple design makes this cot a great option for babies of any age and is usually less expensive than alternative types of cots. However, if you choose to buy a wicker cot, be sure that it is crafted from high-quality materials and complies with all safety standards applicable to it.

You can also find many different shapes and finishes for cots. Some cots are equipped with a space for storage. This is a convenient method to keep all the baby's items such as nappies, bedding, clothing and other necessities. Some cots are elevated from the ground, which keeps them clean and keeps them from being exposed to dust and other bacterial infections.

Some cots are made to transform into a toddler bed which can be used up until your child is around six years old. This feature is particularly useful if you plan to have more children or wish to save money by purchasing multiple beds for a growing family. For example, the Leander cot that has an extension kit can be converted into an infant bed that will keep your child until age 7. This option will save your time and money.

Safety

Choose a sturdy cot made of durable materials when shopping for a crib for your baby's nursery. It should have a sturdy base and solid sides with no gaps that could allow fingers to become caught in the slats. Also, make sure you choose furniture with non-toxic finishes that do not chip or peel. If you're uncertain about the safety of an item, look for certifications that demonstrate that it has been tested and that it meets all applicable regulations.

Some parents prefer a Moses basket, crib or cot instead of a traditional bed. These are perfect for babies, as they offer a secure place for baby to sleep, without having to leave them to themselves. However, if your baby is getting too big for these items you can make use of an cot top change to move them out of these smaller spaces.

To decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Demise Syndrome (SIDS), it is essential to follow sleep guidelines. NHS UK recommends using a firm mattress and avoid using 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 on them. Be sure to verify the stability of any tall pieces and anchor them securely to the wall. Keep heavier items at bottom of shelves and drawers to redistribute the weight and prevent accidents.

Choking hazards are another danger in a nursery. Many children love nibbling on corners, slats and other elements of the rails of the cot. You can avoid these hazards by choosing a cot with smooth corners and no protruding edges or by removing these elements once your child is old enough to stand on their own.

Also, you should avoid placing any clocks or wall-mounted accessories with cords that are long close to the cot. Children and infants are at risk of strangulation if they get their hands or feet trapped in these cords. Also, position cots away from windows where curtains or blinds have long cords that could cause a fall.

Originality

The bed is one of the most important elements of a baby's room, since it is where they will spend most of their first year. It is therefore worth investing in a modern crib that sets the style for your room's decor. There are a variety of options on the market, including contemporary cots with modern designs and clean lines that blend seamlessly into any space. There are also more traditional cots like metal ones, which are great for rooms decorated with vintage-inspired styles.

Wooden cribs also have a more organic appearance and are compatible with many nursery decors. They are often made from beech, maple, or birch and are typically coated with varnish to guard against accidental scratches. However, they can be expensive and not suitable for all budgets.

If you're looking to purchase an exclusive baby cot, consider buying one with curved edges. This will give the cot an unique look that makes it stand out from other cots. These cots are also renowned for their practicality, because they have more space under the cheap cot beds to store things.

A cot can be transformed into a toddler and daybed. This is a great way to get the most value of your money and ensure that your child's bed will last through their entire growth stage. Some cots are equipped with conversion kits, while others can be purchased separately.

When you are choosing a cot ensure that it meets British safety regulations. It is essential to ensure that the mattress is properly fitted and there are no gaps that could allow your child to escape from the crib. Remove any stickers or decorations that could cause danger of choking. Also, check that the crib's bars are not too close together.

There are a wide range of cots both online and in stores at retailers like Dunelm Ikea and John Lewis. It is best cots to purchase from a store because you'll be able to view the cots in person and decide if they're suitable for your baby.