Buying a Cot Bed
Before you buy a cot bed for your child, you should keep a few things in mind and also check the product specifications so that you can buy a durable product made with the best quality material.
The first & foremost aspect to consider is the size. Measure the part of your nursery/room where you wish to place the cot bed. The gap between the railings of the cot bed should have a size that is either:
- Between 1.2cm and 2.5cm, or
- Between 4.5 and 6.5cm
Drop-side Cot Bed
Buying a drop-side cot bed is especially useful if you have back pain and one of its sides can be folded or slid down easily so that you can pick up or put down your baby with ease. If you are considering buying a drop-side cot bed, you should personally check the safety of the drop-side railing. Always ensure that it will be safe for your growing child and that they cannot open it on their own to avoid unforeseen accidents.
Cot Beds with Storage & Wheels
Cot beds can also come with storage options that can be useful for storing supplies for your baby's essentials. When your child grows up, you can adjust the cot bed height by restructuring the storage space by lowering the cot bed base. It will ensure that your child won't climb out of bed and there is the continued use of the same cot bed.
Adjustable wheels on cot beds are an added feature that you can opt for if you wish to carry the whole cot bed from one region of your house to another when your baby is asleep and needs to be moved without disturbing their sleep.
Mattress
Another salient feature of a cot bed that you should be very specific about when buying a cot bed is the mattress that you put on the cot bed. The first thing that you should check is if the mattress fits the size of your cot bed. Otherwise, there is a good chance that your child or his/her body part may get stuck between the gaps. Generally, the gap should be less than 4 cm.
Some cot beds come with a befitted mattress which eases your worry about the fit, but you should make sure that it is made out of cushiony and soft material to provide the best-possible comfort. There are various materials out of which a mattress can be made, so you have to be mindful that they are not made of allergenic substances.
You can also put covers or small-sized towels on top of the mattress for extra comfort and safety.
To ensure maximum safety and comfort for your newborn baby, refer to the safety guidelines of the cot beds and the mattresses you buy. Find the right cot bed for your child with the information we have provided. Happy parenting!