Are you a new mom thinking of investing in a good cot for your baby? Or are you the protective dad researching every product that will go in your baby's room? In both cases, I have some really great information to offer you!

Yes! We are talking about the thing that your baby will spend his first few years in. A cot.

Cots are one of the most useful baby furniture. They are going to be your baby's home and his first sleeping companion. Most of his sensory and motor development will happen during this phase. That is why choosing a high quality and efficient cot is very important!

Parents spend a lot of time designing a baby's nursery. They research the layout, colours, and even if the paints used are chemical-free! While you do such extensive research on a baby's nursery, it's also a fair point to research your baby's cot.

Don't know how to get started on that? Well, no worries. We have done some comprehensive research and curated a list of things you should keep in mind while buying a cot. Let's get started with the list.

#1. Is A Baby Cot A Better Sleeping Option?

When we hear about baby furniture, the very first thing that comes to our mind is, are they any useful? Or is it just another capitalist way of stealing our money? We will make it easy for you to decide!

One of the researches by Pediatrics has listed bed-sharing as one of the primary risk factors for sleep-related infant deaths in the US. We understand how new parents don't like the idea of separating a newly born kid from themselves. But cots are a safer sleeping option for babies.

However, you can alternatively learn safe sleeping practices if you are adamant about co-sleeping.

#2. Is A Cot A Worthy Investment?

To decide if a cot is going to be a worthy investment for you, you will need to consider its duration of usage and its importance.

The baby will generally outgrow a cot in about 2 years. So you should consider buying a convertible cot. These cots can be rearranged as a smaller bed unit for a toddler when need be. Such cot beds can be used for more years. So yes! They are a worthy investment.

People often complain that good quality cots are really expensive! We understand that it might seem like a big investment, but a premium quality cot is both safe and trendy. It also lasts you a lifetime. So it can be used again if you plan for a second baby!

Cots also have a sentimental value attached to them. We can bet our money, you won't be able to get rid of your baby's cot easily!

#3. Is Your Cot Baby Proof?

By baby proof, we mean that it's extremely safe for your baby's activities. For example, you need to consider how deep your cot is. It should be at a suitable height so the child doesn't fall off while trying to climb out of the cot.

You should also consider buying cots that don't have any sharp edges. Other details like soft closures and snug mattresses can make your cot child-friendly. If there is any space left between the mattress and the cot pad, your baby can get hurt while playing around in the cot.

There are also specific safety standards put in place, in every country to decide upon the safety of a cot. Make sure to check if your cot is up to those standards. 

#4. What Should Be The Size Of The Cot?

To decide on the size of your baby's cot, consider your nursery layout and your bedroom space. This is because if you want to place the cot in your bedroom for the first year, you should be buying a cot that fits perfectly beside your bed.

A bulky cot would be hard to move around. Choose a compact cot that is easy to carry. This way, you can effortlessly move it to the nursery later. It should also not get stuck between your doors while moving!

#5. Is Your Cot Modern Enough?

Cots are trending furniture in the present times. With so much investment made in your nursery, you can't just put an old looking boring cot in it, can you?

You should consider buying a cot that uplifts the mood of your nursery. Something that is modern and chic for your Instagram worthy pictures. Invest in a cot that has a timeless and classic design. The design and colour of the cot should also compliment your baby's nursery.

We are looking for convenience as well as style here!

#6. Is your Cot Made Up Of Safe Materials?

With the current pandemic looming over our heads, we have to be conscious of what we buy. Babies at some points start chewing the rails of the cot. Wooden furniture can have many kinds of chemicals that are used during its designing.

Choose a cot that uses sustainable premium quality wood. Its paint and wax coating also must be chemical and lead-free. Manufacturers are actively using safe, allergen-free paints to secure your baby's health.

To Conclude

A cot is a safe and comfortable option for your baby's new world. Invest in the one that offers comfort for the baby and ease of use for you. You can use our guidelines while choosing the best cot that fits your budget. Keep in mind that it has to be safe, sturdy and chemical-free.

You must have heard the phrase "sleep like a baby". Well, a good cot can redefine the phrase for you. So invest in quality, rather than trends! Give your baby a cosy new home to sleep and grow!