Designing the child’s room is fun and interesting. Not only do you create an enchanting oasis that encourages your newest addition to grow and learn, but you also provide them with a comfortable place that feeds a sense of security.
With this in mind, choosing the right crib is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before your baby is born – after all, it’s where they’ll spend the next 2 years of their life. With so many factors to consider, you may be wondering where to start. To help save time, we have compiled a guide that goes into depth about the types of cots, as well as the basic elements, safety, and other factors that play an important role in the informed choice.
Not sure where to start?
Let’s start with the basics. The following list of frequently asked questions serves not only as a springboard into more in-depth research but also helps new parents take their position when diving into more details.
What is a cot?
A cot is a bed specially designed for infants and very young children. Traditionally, it resembles a bed intended for older children and adults, with the addition of a slatted railing on all four sides – keeping the baby in place.
How long is a cot used for?
On average, cribs are used in the first 24 months of life. Having said that, the stage at which a child makes the transition to a toddler or a twin bed varies greatly. A sure way to tell when your little one is ready to move on is when they are visibly too big for the crib and can get out with minimal effort.
When should you buy a cot?
Cots are often bought while the mother is still pregnant. If they are interested in a particular design or color scheme, some may wait until just before the third trimester, when they know the sex. Parents are often encouraged to plan ahead, allowing time for furniture delivery.
Safety instructions
- Sidebars: The sidebars of a crib should be no more than 2-3/8″ apart (or about the width of a soda can). Why? This distance helps prevent the baby from slipping or getting stuck. Cots with cutouts on the headboard and foot should also be avoided for the same reason.
- Corner posts: The height of corner posts should not exceed 1/16 inch. Anything taller can catch your child’s clothes.
- Bare is the best: there should be no toys, stuffed animals, pillows, or beds in the crib with your baby. The only bedding they will need is a waterproof pad and fitted sheet. Most parents find that laundry day is easier if the bedding is machine washable and make sure you use a mild, unscented detergent so as not to irritate the baby’s skin. If your little one seems cold, use a wrapped blanket to warm them up.
- Dust bunnies: Babies are sensitive to dust and hair. Therefore, the bottom of the crib should be vacuumed often, especially if you use a crib skirt. As an additional precaution, keep pets away from the bed to prevent marking and spreading of fur.
- Ropes and cords: Keep the crib away from windows, curtains, cords, and anything else your little one can pull on. Hanging baby furniture is fine as long as it’s out of reach.
- Mattresses: The crib mattress must fit perfectly, reaching every corner of the crib frame. If more than two fingers fit between the crib and the side of the mattress, the mattress is too small.
- Legacy: if your cot is a cot, make sure it meets current standards. Check if there are stable hinges, as well as sharp or protruding parts. If it is made of wood, make sure that the finish is smooth and free of chips.
Types of cots
When buying different types of cribs, it is important to consider more than aesthetics. The 6 cribs mentioned below are some of our favorites. Read on to find out practical information about each, as well as the pros and cons.
Standard bed
If you are ever asked to imagine a crib, this will probably be the one that comes to mind. The long-lasting and robust standard cots have a simple construction – 4 fixed sides with slats all over.
Standard cots are ideal for parents who intend to have more children, as they are durable and come in many different designs, including two-tone, mixed materials, and colored finishes.
Tree cots, a variant of standard cots, have slats that come in interesting designs such as square, round and rectangular.
Conclusion: While they make an excellent sleeping solution in permanent homes, families who are always on the move may want to look for another option, as standard cribs are large and difficult to transport between locations.
Convertible cots
Also known as a 3-in-1 crib, convertible cribs are rapidly gaining in popularity due to their ability to grow with your child. For example, some make a simple transition to a toddler bed, while others add a third step and go from a toddler bed to a day bed or full bed – making sure it stays with your little one until adolescence. .
Convertible beds are often an ideal choice for parents who do not intend to have more children or for those looking for a long-term furniture solution.
These cribs usually have a timeless design or subtle color scheme, which means you avoid a potentially dated look as your child gets older. Another advantage: convertible cribs are the most cost-effective option in the long run, as you will only need this bed for most of their childhood.
Bottom line: if you decide to go this route, make sure you like the way it looks while you’re in it for the long haul. Convertible cribs have a higher initial price than other alternatives and minor manual labor (as well as a conversion kit) is required for each transition.
