As a parent, the first of the many concerns – and, at the same time, the most related – about your baby’s sleep is his safety, comfort, and security. Given these factors, as you try to ensure that your child sleeps well and has a pain-free and accident-free night, one of the most important pieces of children’s furniture you should invest in is the cot or crib. While many quality baby cots are accessible to parents, choosing the best one for your family can be difficult because of the overwhelming choices. So, to help you understand it better, we have outlined four considerations before finding that ideal cot baby in Singapore to place under your little one.
1. Safety First: Choosing a Secure Baby Cot
Baby products are always something for safety and your baby cot is not an exception. The first thing to look for is whether your baby’s cot meets safety standards. In Singapore, there is a direct interpretation of international safety certifications, whereby one can look for a cot with the mark EN716 standard for cots, which entails that the cot is designed for safety.
A baby cot should be anchored on all sides without leaving gaps that may trap a baby’s limbs in the gaps. The slats in a baby cot are not allowed to be too wide apart and are supposed to be less than 6.5 centimetres apart. The baby mattress should fit well into the cot such that no more than two fingers’ width separates it from the edges of the cot. It prevents a baby’s leg from getting stuck when going out or coming into the cot between the mattress and the cot itself.
Lastly, if the cot has height-adjustable mattresses, look for ease in lowering the mattress as your baby becomes more independent and mobile. It will prove most important when your baby tries standing up and pulling themselves up.
2. Practicality and Durability: Does it Grow with Your Baby?
One thing to think about when you seek a baby cot is if it can grow with your child. Most of the baby cots available in the market can be changed into toddler beds as your child grows up, thus making for a very economical long-term plan. Most such multipurpose cots feature adjustable mattress heights and detachable sides, so your child’s cot can easily be transitioned into a toddler bed.
This cot will outsmart the need to switch to a completely different bed as the child grows up from the cot. Such children’s furniture allows multiple applications of cost-effectiveness and practicality in meeting parents’ needs.
Convertible cots come in various designs; select one that is easy to adjust and includes instructions. Conversion types require extra pieces sold separately, while others need add-ons.
3. Comfort Matters – Selecting the Right Mattress
The design of the baby cot is of utmost importance, but the mattress is also at an equivalent level for the comfort of your baby. Newborns and infants require a firm and supportive mattress to minimise the risk of suffocation and for proper spine development. Soft mattresses are not suitable for babies because of the risks.
Choose a cot mattress designed to be used in a cot, and use materials that allow airflow across the surface and regulate your baby’s body temperature while sleeping. Waterproof cover mattresses are practical as they protect against the fear of spills and accidents while being easy to clean.
Remember to check the fit of the mattress inside the cot. Many cot makers also supply recommended specific mattresses designed for their cots. Therefore, consider consulting these before making your purchase.
4. Aesthetic and Space Considerations: How Will It Fit in Your Nursery?
Safety and functionality are the most important requirements but aesthetics and space are given. Since your cot will be at the core of your baby’s nursery, it goes without saying that choosing a cot which harmonises well with your room’s decor and style ensures cohesion within the invitation to the baby.
If you live in Singapore where space may be scarce, it’s essential to measure the available space in your nursery before purchasing a baby cot. Some cots are more compact and suitable for smaller rooms while others are bigger and have more features like storage underneath. If you’re short on space, it’s worth looking into cots with added storage drawers at the bottom that could come in handy for storing their things, maximising a small room.
Do not forget to consider the material and colour when selecting your cot. Some cots come in traditional wood finishes, which have an ageless quality while others are constructed with newer designs and smooth lines with neutral tones. In a nutshell, a good baby cot appropriately blends the best fitting for your style and practical considerations for your nursery.
The best baby cot in Singapore for safety, functionality, comfort, and design: a convertible cot that can grow up with the child or a cot with built-in storage, saving you space in the home. The good quality cot means your little star is given a safe, comfortable environment to sleep, resulting in healthy growth.
If you are looking for the best children’s furniture for your nursery, reach out to Kids Haven today to see their baby cots and other essential nursery furniture for your little one. Visit our website to find the perfect cot for your baby’s nursery!