How to Buy the Best Cot for Your Baby

Having a baby is one of the best gifts of nature and is also one of the best experiences one can have in life. As a parent, you want to give your baby the best treatment possible. And this means giving your all as you prepare your baby’s nursery.

Of all the things you have to do, buying the best cot for your baby is the most important yet the most challenging thing. There are so many types of baby cots in the market, and they all come in different sizes, designs, and colors; choosing the right one is not easy. That’s why you need BabyHood to help you make the right choice for you and your little one.

If you are looking to buy a cot for your baby, the first thing you need to figure out is what you need. This means understanding what’s best for you and your baby. To better understand, below is a list of things you need to put into consideration before buying a baby cot.

The Design

There are several useful baby cot designs available in the market. Finding the right one will depend on what you need from the baby cot. For instance, drop-sided cots have a rail that can drop down on one of the sides, making it easier to get the baby in and out of the bed. They are the most ideal choice if you are short or have a larger build. Some drop-sided cots have a nudge-and-lift mechanism that makes it easier for you to operate the bed using one hand while holding the baby on the other one.

Another outstanding design is sleigh cot beds. A sleigh cot can be drop-sided or have fixed sides, and the best part is that you can remove the rails on the side to turn it into a bed.

Is the Cot Height-Adjustable?

Most cots are height-adjustable, but not all of them. So, before you buy a cot, first confirm that it has a height-adjustable base. A height-adjustable cot has three levels that you can adjust as the baby grows. For the first few months, the baby sleeps on the highest level of the cot. However, when they reach eight months; it is recommended that you adjust the cot to the lowest level.

The Cot Mattress

A good baby cot is not complete without a good mattress. You need to buy a comfortable mattress that can fit into the baby cot. To ensure that your baby gets peaceful sleep, it is recommended that you buy a new mattress. But if you decide to use an old mattress, be sure to inspect it to confirm that it is dry, clean, and in good condition.

The size

What size do you need for your baby cot? Before buying a baby cot, you need to determine the size that best suits your needs. To determine the right size, you need to answer questions such as; what baby cot design do I need? Depending on the design, some baby cots occupy more space than others. What space do I have in my bedroom? Remember, the baby needs to sleep in your bedroom for at least six months after they are born. After that, you can take them to their nursery. So, how much space do you have in the nursery?

Answering these and many more questions will help you determine the right baby cot size to suit your needs.

Casters

Some baby cots have casters or wheels which come in handy, especially when you want to move from one room to another. They also make it easier to clean the areas under and around the baby cot.

Color

Baby cots come in several different colors. However, grey and white are the most popular baby cot colors. Another interesting color is the standard wooden finish. The color you choose depends on the look you are going for. Ideally, you should pick a color that goes well with your theme or style.

The Material

There are many types of baby cots available in the market; however, wooden baby cots are the best. Wooden baby cots are both stylish, authentic and will go well with almost all the themes you choose. In addition, wooden cots are comfortable, affordable, and very easy to maintain.

Some cots are made from wood, whereas others are made from MDF. MDF is a wood product and is generally cheaper than a wooden cot. However, the cost varies depending on the type of wood used to engineer the MDF. For example, an MDF cot made from mahogany will cost more as compared to the one that’s made from plywood.

Before buying a cot, you need to confirm whether it’s pure wood or an MDF. And if it’s an MDF, make sure you confirm the type of wood product used to engineer it.

What about Second-hand Cot?

Your baby’s safety should be your top priority, that’s why buying a new cot is the recommended option. But depending on the circumstance, you might have to buy a used cot. In that case, you need to inspect the bed inch by inch to confirm that it is safe for your baby to sleep in.

Conclusion

Babies are very weak and vulnerable tiny beings. Something as small as sleeping in the wrong position is enough to cause damage that may affect the baby for the rest of their life. The worst part is that babies cannot tell you when something is wrong. As a parent, you have to protect your child and avoid such things. In this case, that means choosing the best cot to create a safe sleeping space for your baby.