Waiting for a baby to become part of a family is a lovely time. However, it can also be confusing and stressful when it comes to choosing the best for baby`s room. There is a variety of baby cots to choose from, so how do you make a decision? Let us help you with a few main points.
Baby Cot Materials to Be Wary Of
Laminate Cots
Laminate baby cots are not the right decision because they are made by using different types of glue, which are not healthy for a baby. Additionally, in the production process, the surface of the bed frame is covered with melamine or acrylic resin to prevent scratches, but it does not protect babies from having an allergic reaction to it.
There is no doubt that these baby cots will cost less, but please keep in mind that your baby will spend most of the time (especially in the first months of his or her life) sleeping in this bed. It is very important for the baby to feel safe, comfortable, and healthy.
Baby cots made of metal constructions may have some interesting design accents, but they are often considered unsafe for small babies.Metal-Construction Cots.jpg)
Textile Cots
Textile cots, or as some may call them, “travel cots” are an excellent choice for a family trip. They are comfortable and pleasant against the baby’s skin. They are great for a two- or three-day occasion, but not for more than that.
The base of a textile cot is not stable, which is the why it can badly affect the baby`s muscles and bones in the long term. The name, “travel cot” by itself says that this is only a good choice for trips.
You may now think that there are no goods materials, but wait; here comes the best part!
THE RIGHT MATERIALS TO CHOOSE.
The best material to choose is natural wood such as birch, pine, or exclusive beech wood.
Pine
This material is very popular with Latvian and Polish producers. Pine trees are common in Latvia, pine bark is soft, and this wood is easy to work with during the production process.
It is good for producers, but what about the baby? When buying a baby cot made of pine, check to see that there are no visible branch marks. Also, if you are willing to place the baby cot somewhere near the window where the sun can easily shine on it, its colour can become little yellow in the long term.
Birch and Beech Wood
These materials are more exclusive and are considered hardwood materials. They will be more resistant to scratches and bite marks from the baby`s teeth and will last longer. Furthermore, birch or beech wood baby cots covered with varnish will not change their colour. What’s more, after baby grows up, you can offer this bed to friends or family members with a baby on the way because it looks just like new!
What Choice to Make?
Your choice depends on what you think will be best for a baby and how much you are willing to spend on baby goods.
Standards for Paints and Varnishes
When buying a baby cot, it is necessary to ask the salesperson what paints and varnishes were used in production process.
The best choice is a baby cot that is covered with water-based paints and varnishes. They will not cause allergic reactions and are completely safe for babies.
In the European Union, there is unit Standard - EN 716-1:2008 + A1:2013 for all baby furniture producers.
Standard for width between the slats should not be more than 45-60 mm.
Mattress Base
On the market are various types of product for the mattress base. Our experts do not recommend choosing a baby cot with mattress base made of MDF or KSP because they will not ensure active air circulation and will not be a safe solution for your baby. It is better to choose a baby cot with a mattress base is made of natural wood. Also, it is important to pay attention to how far apart the slats are. The maximum width between them should be no more than 60 mm.
Functions and Other Important Parameters
When choosing a baby cot, pay attention to what size it is. The European standard is 120х60 cm.
However, this is not the only size available. The Italian standard is 127х65 cm, the English/German standard is 140х70 cm, and the American standard is 131х69 cm.
If you are willing to buy a baby cot bigger than 120x60 cm, you should keep in mind that it may be difficult to find suitable bedding sets.
A baby cot should have at least three mattress base levels so that when that baby grows, the mattress base can be moved lower to avoid the risk of the baby falling out.
A One-Hand Operated Drop-side model is a wonderful option to help new parents because it makes it easier for parents to put the baby to sleep. When choosing a baby cot with a drop-side, pay attention to whether it is easy and comfortable to move it up and down and more importantly, if it is safe and the baby cannot operate it him- or herself.
There are baby cots on the market that have the removable slats on one side (usually the fixed side if one side is movable) or additional toddler side so that the baby can get in or out of bed by him- or herself. It is up to you which solution is more suitable.
Do not be surprised when you see special plastic teething rails; they are intended to protect the baby cot from scratches that can be caused by the baby biting the baby cot when their teeth are growing in. The result: both the baby and the baby cot will stay safe.
We hope we have helped you find the best solution and make the right choice!
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