Bringing your baby home for the first time can be a somewhat daunting experience. Your precious little bundle is now the centre of your world. In an instant, your priorities turn on their head as your baby’s demands are propelled to the top of the pile.
Your once pristine kitchen has been transformed into a small sterilising factory while the lounge is littered with changing paraphernalia and soft toys galore.
A tiny tot’s tick list is long and thankfully pretty straightforward. But there’s one essential item that transcends all others when it comes to a newborn’s needs. The cot.
Your baby’s comfort and security while sleeping is essential to their wellbeing – as well as yours! So before you panic buy, make sure you know exactly what to look out for when choosing the perfect product. Doing your homework will certainly help bring peace of mind when the time comes to settle your little one down to sleep for the first time.
Deciding on the most suitable cot for your newborn is undoubtedly an enjoyable process but can be overwhelming too, with so many variations on the market to choose from.
One thing you can be sure of however is that it’ll probably be one of the most expensive items you buy before your baby is born and will definitely take up the most room!
Things to consider before you buy…
- Longevity – most parents now choose to invest in a cot bed if they have the available space. Not only do cot beds financially make sense, but they also help ease your toddler into a ‘big bed’ when the time comes. The side rails are simply removed to transform the cot into a bed using the same base as before. This gives much needed security and a sense of familiarity to your child as they take their first steps to independence. A cot bed can last until your child is around 4 or 5 years old, or until they have simply outgrown it.
- Comfort – Your baby will need plenty of sleep during those early weeks and months and in order to make this happen, it is essential they feel comfortable in their surroundings. There are many cot bed mattresses available, but they vary greatly in quality as well as price. Just as your mattress is key to how well you sleep as an adult, remember it’s the same for your child. Pocket sprung mattresses are highly recommended as they are supportive yet comfortable for those little growing spines.
- Size – Although babies do like to be swaddled and feel secure, they also need plenty of room to grow. They won’t stay tiny for long so consider some stretching space for those wriggling arms and legs!
- Safety - Make sure any cot you buy conforms to European safety standards. Always look out for the British Standards Institution (BSI) number BS EN 716:2008. Also take note of how durable the product is. Is it solid, heavy and is it made well from a reputable company?
- Design – Some cots and cot beds have different height settings for the base and side rails. These features are put in place to make it easier for you to lift your baby out (base on the highest setting), and to prevent your child from climbing out of their cot as they grow (base on the lowest setting). But they may also be crucial to your decision depending on your own mobility limitations. Also, make sure you view the cot bed without the side rails, to see whether it appeals as a child’s bed.
- Bedside cots – If you want to sleep close to your baby during those first few weeks, bedside cots are the answer. They are basically an extension of your own bed as the side rail can be removed and the base of the cot adjusted to line up with your own mattress, making soothing and feeding easier during the night.
Want to know more about our exclusive cot beds and nursery furniture?
At Little Lucy Willow we put comfort and safety above all else. Stunning design is just a bonus! Our nursery furniture is luxurious, affordable and built to last.
We want to make sure you enjoy your shopping experience with Little Lucy Willow from start to finish. That’s why we are always ready to take your call and help you create a baby’s bedroom that is perfectly suited to their needs - and dreams!
Contact a member of our friendly team on 0845 8030988 or email [email protected] with any questions about our products or to place an order.