Choosing a Cot, particularly if you’re doing it for the first time is always a little nerve wracking. Where do you begin and how do you make a judgement? Luckily our handy guide is here to help you.
Features
As it is recommended that you use a new mattress for each child, many cots are sold without. Choose a firm one that fits snugly inside your cot - you don't want fingers getting trapped.
Choose a cot with drop sides. These can be lowered to make it easier to pick up and put down your baby, and raised to keep him safe (he will be pulling himself up before you know it). If you want your baby close at night, opt for a cot with a removable side that you can place next to your bed (ideal for those night feeds).
Cots with variable height base can be raised when your baby is tiny, so you can place him gently to sleep, then lowered once he becomes more mobile.
Over-cot changing table: some manufacturers make a changing table that can fit over the cot (perfect height for avoiding backache). This is a great solution if you're short of space.
Under-cot storage: again essential if your nursery is on the small side.
Safety teething rails: not essential, but could be a godsend if yours is the chewy type… These are just a simple plastic strip along the top of the cot which prevent a teething toddler from chomping off bits of paint or wood. (Many years ago, children biting the lead-based paints off cots caused tragic deaths. Now nursery paints are safe, but it's still an unsavoury thing to find your baby eating their cot!)
Cot beds
These look like cots, but are slightly bigger. Their biggest advantage is that they will last your child longer, as the sides can be removed when your baby is ready to make a small, child-sized bed.
However, if you have a second child before your first has outgrown this, you'll find yourself back to square one, and buying another bed. Also, because they are larger, your baby will look somewhat lost in it until they start growing.
So, now that you know the basics, get ready to click, surf and shop!
© Buy Beds.org.uk 2006
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