Baby cot - how to choose?

Sleep like a baby - this saying can only be use by those who did not have a small child at home. Babies' sleep is one of the things that most often cause sleepless nights for young parents. Sleep together or apart? Should I choose a traditional or a travel cot? What to look for? These are just some of the questions that accompany parents when choosing a place to sleep for a toddler. And although several factors are responsible for the length and quality of an infant's sleep, the bed is one of them. And although we do not guarantee that your child will sleep at night just after leaving the hospital, we will advise you on how to choose a cot that will provide the most comfortable conditions for it.

Standard cots are 120 x 60 and 140 x 70. That is a lot, because a standard baby is usually only 55 centimetres long. And in fact, this space may turn out to be too big for a toddler and make him feel "lonely". Therefore, a proven solution is to put the so-called a baby playpen, which will make the baby feel safe like in its mother's belly.

Material

It is worth taking a closer look at the material from which the crib is made. The best choice are models made of solid wood, e.g., pine. You should avoid models made of chipboard and plywood, which are not only perishable but also dangerous. Despite the name suggesting that the baby cot is intended for the youngest children, in practice it can be used up to 3 years of age. Therefore, it is worth making it solid, with the use of high-quality materials. The fulfilment of this condition also guarantees that the cot can be twisted and unscrewed many times, without loosening and without compromising the stability of the structure. This is especially important when changing the height of the mattress (which requires unscrewing it) and when the cot is to be used by more than one child.

Security

This point follows directly from the previous one. Cots made of solid wood are heavier and therefore more stable. The high quality of the raw material used also guarantees that the surface of the furniture will be free of dangerous splinters and scratches. New-borns and toddlers are by nature not very mobile, but things change in the blink of an eye. Within a few months, a toddler becomes more mobile, and research shows that most of the attempts to sit down and stand up by himself take place in the crib. A solid structure must therefore withstand jumps, pulls, hundreds of falls and tearing of the rails. Another very important issue is the paints used to paint the furniture. They should not peel or chip, additionally they must be ecological and have appropriate approvals. Most toddlers enjoy nibbling on the rungs and rails of the bed during teething. Toxic paint without approval and fragments of chipboard in a small mouth is a rather unpleasant prospect.

Functionality

It is well known that with the arrival of a new tenant, the apartment is filled with countless clothes, toys and other necessary accessories, the storage of which takes up a lot of space. When buying a crib, it is worth choosing a model with a drawer, which is a smart option for space management and creates additional space for diapers and handy gadgets. The level of mattress adjustment is much more important than you might think. Thanks to this function, you can adjust the height at which the baby sleeps, depending on his age and development level. The most optimal solution is a three-stage regulation, which is fully sufficient even up to the age of 3. It is also a great idea to choose a cot, which can be completely or partially removed from the sides, creating a miniature version of the bed for adults. Such a crib will serve to grow with the child and will serve for many years.

Look

The style of the cot is a very individual matter, but nowadays the choice is almost unlimited. The most popular, however, are models with a classic shape with a built-in or partially built-up headboard. This solution is not only visually attractive, but also fits most interiors. An interesting idea to liven up a slightly traditional bed and give it character is a subtle engraving on the shorter walls.

* The photo used in the article header comes from Pinterest