Buying Guide to a Cot for Your Baby

There are several places to shop when considering the purchase of a cot. There are mass merchandiser’s such as John Lewis and Mothercare, as well as high quality Online stores such as Troll Nursery. Of course there are also privately owned specialty stores. Obviously, the quality of the store has impact on both the quality of the cot in direct relation to the price. It is important to decide what it is you are looking for in your cot and then shop from there.

The most important aspect to look for is safety. While all cots must meet national guidelines, there are other things to look for before purchasing a cot. National guidelines make it so the space between each slat of the cot is no more than two and three-eighth inches so that the baby cannot slip through or get his or her head stuck. The other potential problems arise from a cot that may be decoratively pleasing, including features such as four posters. This can cause a potential hazard if the baby tries to climb out. The baby’s clothing could become wrapped around it causing strangulation. This is also possible on cots where there is a space between the cot rail and the metal piece that raises and lowers the cot side. There is also a potential danger in a cot with a canopy. In the event of a fire, the canopy could catch fire and fall onto the baby, causing serious burns. All these precautions should be considered before purchasing a cot.

The next thing to consider when purchasing a cot is functionality and style. Many mothers have an image in her head about the look she wants for her nursery and it is easy to find a cot based on that style. Personally, going to the store and seeing all the options available, threw my initial wants out the window. One of the hot details of cots right now is the convertible cot. The cot grows with your child. The cot can be converted to a toddler bed once the baby outgrows the cot, then onto a daybed or full-size bed.  This can be the most cost effective choice. Manufacturers like to call them cot beds.  Convertible cot beds can start as low as one hundred and fifty pounds.

Another option to consider is the rail to the cot. While most cots have a side that slides up and down for easy use, there are cots available with a stationary side. The cots with the sliding rails have a variety of ways to move the rail up and down. The rail may be easily slid with one hand or it is possible that two hands are required and some cots have a foot pedal for even no handed use. It is important to slide the rail up and down multiple times before purchasing the crib to find which option suits your needs the best. Also lean into the cot a few times to make sure that the height of the cot will be comfortable for placing the baby in the cot as well as taking the baby out. This can be less comfortable for cots with stationary rails. Another important factor is how low the cot will allow the mattress to be placed. This becomes very important when the child becomes old enough to stand up in the cot and potentially climb out of it.

It is important to find a cot that will suit both you and your child. This includes important safety features as well as style and functionality. Caring for a baby is a lot of hard work. If you ever go astray, look for parenting tips at Parenting.com
 Learn more about cot beds at www.trollonline.co.uk
 
Talk to you soon.
Kristaps Audrins
Your Baby Furniture Mentor
www.thebabyfurniture.co.uk