Buying Your Baby’s First Cot: What You Need To Know

Anyone who values a restorative, good night’s sleep knows just how important it is to invest in a quality bed and mattress. A poorly designed bed or a lumpy mattress that is too hard or too soft for your body’s preference, will have you tossing and turning rather than sleeping deeply.

The same is true for your baby. Seeing as your baby will spend the majority of their first few months sleeping, it is vital to invest in a cot that is comfortable and supportive – not just for your child but yourself too.

There are many things to consider as you prepare to buy your baby’s first cot – everything from a practical design, room for growth and safety measures should be thoroughly thought out before deciding on a model.

If you are currently researching the best cots available on the market, check out or list of things you need to know to help you make a wise purchasing decision.

Design

One of the first things you’ll need to think about when browsing the many crib models available online and in brick and mortar stores, is the space available to you in your home or child’s bedroom.

If you’re living in tight quarters you might be drawn to mini-cribs or three-in-one solutions – for example, a crib that doubles as a changing table. While this may be an excellent choice in terms of avoiding feelings of clutter and claustrophobia, it won’t be the wisest decision for your wallet.

Just as with clothes and shoes, babies tend to grow out of their cribs quickly. Hence, a mini cot only offers a short-term solution and you’ll soon find yourself looking for a model that will keep your baby snug and sleeping soundly for up to three years.

Safety

The most important thing to consider when buying a cot is, of course, your baby’s safety. It’s only once you really start doing your research that you will recognize just how many things there are too think about in terms of safety.

As pretty as a custom-designed headboard with decorative cutouts and embellishments might look, is it really worth putting your child’s safety at risk? No. Go for solidity and minimalism, rather than a pretty look.

You must also pay special attention to the space between the cot’s slats or bars. As a rule of thumb, if a soda can fits through them, they are a no-go: if the can fits through the bars, so will your newborns head, which could lead to serious injuries and even death.

The slats or bars should be no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart and finished with non-toxic, organic materials. Wheels should be lockable, and you must ensure that the cot is made of quality materials – chipped paint spots or visible glue are signs of bad quality.

While shopping for cots online might be more comfortable, it is a good idea to go to physical shops for a chance to examine cribs personally. Being able to touch, move and carefully check each element of the cot will give you a better idea of what you are dealing with.

Adjustability

A common choice for parents is a cot that converts into a toddler bed when the time is right. Lower than conventional single-beds, these toddler beds make your child’s transition from cot to big-boy/girl bed easy and comfortable.

Various cot designs come with an adjustable kit that will allow you to transform it into a toddler’s bed efficiently and safely. This is a great, economic options that could save you hassle in the long run.

While many new parents find themselves drawn to the idea of co-sleeping by ways of a drop-side cot or bassinet which were designed to make night-feeding easier, they do no longer meet safety requirements. Don’t let anyone talk you into buying one, as attractive as it may seem!

Ensure that you are investing in a cot which’s height can be adjusted as needed. As your baby grows, you should be able to lower the mattress for safe and comfortable sleeping. It will also allow you to adjust the cot in a way that will make lowering and taking the baby out of the crib easier on your back.