Basic Guide to Cot Shopping
Basic Guide to Cot Shopping
Planning for you baby’s snooze cot can be exciting, especially when they will be spending lots of time sleeping in their first few years. Parents often search for cots that are aesthetically pleasing, high-quality, functional, and most importantly it keeps their baby safe. However, it’s not as easy as popping by a mall and picking one up. Selecting the right cot requires some research to know if it will suit you and your baby’s needs in the long term.
Let’s take a look at the key points to be considered when choosing the perfect cot for you baby.
Traditional Cot. Usually made of solid wood and rectangular in shape. While such cots are durable, they may not come with extra features to convert into other configurations while your child grows up.
Convertible Cot. Popular choice among new age parents. The convertible cots are extra versatile and can last up till approximately 4-5 years of the child’s age. They are ideal for accompanying your growing baby from infant to toddler as they convert from a baby cot to a toddler bed.
A classic favourite among parents is the Beblum Lavo 5 Baby Cot. It transforms from a baby cot to a co-sleeper / playpen / table / sofa chair and more. It is a wise investment for parents as they are incredibly versatile and can last your child beyond 5 years of age.
Bassinet or Co-sleeping Cot. Usually meant to fit by your bedside for parents to monitor their child conveniently. They are generally smaller in size which take up less space and allow you to move the cot around the house easily. However, due to its compact size, such cots can’t be used for long as your child will outgrow them within 6-9 months. Once your baby learns to flip over by themselves, it is advisable to stop using it.
Below are some factors which worth some considerations as well to make your baby’s first bed a safe haven.
- Size Matters
In a small country like Singapore where most families stay in housing flats can pose some form of space constraints, hence choosing the right size baby cot matters! Before shopping for a cot, it is advisable to plan out the space for the in your home and the measurements of the available space.
The two most common cot sizes are the American-standard cot size (130 x 70cm), and the European cot size (120 x 60cm).
- Mattress
A good mattress is important as a baby sleeps a total of 16 hours or more a day. A breathable firmer mattress is recommended as a soft mattress does pose a SIDS or breathability risk!
Tip: Always remember to measure the internal dimensions of a baby cot before purchasing the mattress and fitted sheet. A perfect fits means that the mattress fits snugly against the rails and bed ends so there are no gaps.
- Non-toxic paint
High quality and non-toxic materials are amongst the most important factors when considering a baby cot. To ensure a safe environment for your baby to rest in, it is advisable to get a baby cot that uses non-toxic or water-based paint.
Good examples to reference would be the Beblum Lavo 5 Baby Cot and Beblum Sam Crib which use eco-friendly non-toxic water based paint.
- Adjustable Heights
Lifting a baby in and out of the cot several times a day can put some serious pressure on your back. A height-adjustable base can ease your load in the early months when you are still recovering from your pregnancy.
You can start with the base quite high for babies and then lower the base when they start to become more mobile so as to prevent them from climbing out of the cot which can lead to unfortunate accidents.
