Our youngest son Xavier will start school in 2022 so it's been a little while since we've had a cot in our home but I do remember trawling the internet planning out nursery furniture each time I was pregnant - so exciting! There are a few important things you should consider when choosing your baby's first bed;
- Bassinet or Cot
- Safety
- Other tips and considerations
BASSINET - While cots can be used from birth baby's look so very teeny tiny in a big cot, I find the majority of parents choose to purchase a bassinet or co-sleeper as their baby's first bed. Bassinets are ideal for newborns until about the age of 6 months old or once rolling. This Babyhood co-sleeper is loved by many parents particularly for its drop downside, wheels, and ability to be moved around the house during the day with it easily fitting through doorframes.
COT - If you opted for a bassinet you probably won't need a cot until your baby is close to 6 months old. They're a big ticket item so it's essential that the cot has an adjustable base and conversion capabilities transforming itself to a toddler bed when the time comes, bang for your buck meaning the cot to grows with your little one. Often one cot will serve all of your children and maybe even your grandchildren so choose wisely! Shop cots HERE
SAFETY - All cots [including second-hand] must meet the safety standard AS/NZS 2172:2003. It's also essential that cot mattresses fit well, there mustn't be gaps as these can pose as a suffocation risk so always double check that you have purchased the right sized mattress for your cot
OTHER TIPS
- It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs and in their own bed, you can read more about that HERE
- Invest in a wool under blanket, my mum taught me this
- She taught me to pre-warm the cot with a hot water bottle too, try it - who doesn't like getting in to a warm bed?!
- When making the bed set the blankets at the bottom to remove risk that they baby will slip under the covers. So make the cot with their feet at the base rather than their head at the top
- Buy a waterproof mattress protector
- You need blankets for your bassinet but I don't think you need cot blankets, instead invest in a Woolbabe!
- I believe in babies enjoy having a 'thing' like a teddy, blanket or a thumb - I think it creates positive sleep association. I have three sons, two that suck their thumbs and have cuddlies and one that doesn't. You can guess which boys sleep better!
Here's to the very exciting nursery planning - have fun!
Ren. X