Baby Cot 101: A Guide for New Parents
If only babies came with a manual. They don’t. And we can’t help you with that. What we can help you with is some of the tips and products you’ll need to help make new parent life that much easier. Things like baby cots and everything you need to know about them.
In this blog we’ll share the ins and outs of baby cots. Like why – and when – to lower them, important points about cot safety and what to consider when choosing a cot. You’ll be an expert before you know it!
Cot or bassinet?
The first question most new parents have about where their baby will sleep is if they need a cot or a bassinet. A newborn is perfectly fine sleeping in a cot. However, a bassinet is often a more convenient option for the early months due to the small size. Bassinets are also often portable and can be moved from room to room, ideal for when you want to keep your baby close to you around the house.
The CoZee Co-Sleeping Bassinets are the perfect solution that can also be secured to the bed for a simple and safe co-sleeping solution. By the time your baby starts rolling or outgrows the bassinet, whichever comes first, they’ll then need to move to a baby cot. This will generally happen around five months of age but can vary from baby to baby.
Choosing a cot
When you’re buying a cot for your baby, the first thing you need to check is that it complies with the Australian safety standards for cots, AS/NZS 2172-2003. The Australian cot standards are rigorous and give you peace of mind that your baby is safe while sleeping.
Beyond the cot safety standards, the baby cot you choose comes down to personal preference. Two popular cots in the iL Tutto® range are the Fuori Cot and the Hygge Cot.
The Fuori Cot features a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic in a white and light oak colour scheme. The Hygge Cot has a cosy, Nordic-inspired look courtesy of its bevelled edges and similar light oak and white sand colouring.
Both these baby cots offer two mattress base heights and teething rail covers. They also effortlessly convert from a cot to a toddler bed as your baby grows, ensuring longevity for your investment. Matching chests are also available for both cot styles, with each chest doubling as a changing table.
Cot bedding
Once you’ve chosen your baby cot, you’ll also need to purchase a mattress. This should fit snugly against all sides of the cot without any gaps to ensure a safe sleep surface for your baby.
Any bedding that you use in your cot should be tightly fitted so as to keep the cot free from loose items that could pose a suffocation hazard. Accidents do happen so it’s always best to buy more than one set of bedding to have spares on hand when needed. A waterproof mattress protector will also help to keep your baby’s mattress in good condition.
When the cot is in the lower position it’s often easier to remove the mattress from the cot when changing the sheets. This helps to save your back from bending over too much.
Adjustable mattress heights
Speaking of mattress positions, this is one of the most useful features of modern baby cots. The highest setting is for newborns in cots. It makes it easier for you to lay your baby down without having to bend too far down. This is especially handy when they’re asleep in your arms and any sudden movements can undo all that hard work of getting them off to sleep.
You know it’s time to lower the cot when your baby is able to sit up independently. The lower position is the safest position as it ensures they can’t pull themselves to standing and then topple out of the cot.
When assembling the cot and changing the mattress position, always follow the manufacturer instructions.
Cot and sleep safety tips
A cot that meets the Australian safety standards is one thing but there are also other steps you can take as a parent to keep your baby safe while they sleep.
In addition to safe sleep recommendations, always position your baby cot or bassinet away from blinds, curtains and cords. Also refrain from hanging objects, such as mobiles or other loose objects, over the cot. It’s a good idea to routinely check your baby cot to ensure that nothing has come loose or been damaged through wear and tear.
Find your perfect baby cot from iL Tutto®
Designed with the needs of modern parents in mind, iL Tutto® cots are the ideal combination of style and functionality.
Explore the cot range and start designing the perfect nursery for your baby.
