The Best Baby Cots

Many baby cots require assembly out of the box.

Baby cots provide a safe and comfortable place for the baby to sleep. Parents regularly use cots not only for sleep, but also for a place to let the baby relax. The baby ends up spending hours in the crib each day, making it one of the most important pieces of baby furniture. When looking for the best baby cot, keep a few things in mind.

Safety Standards

The safest baby cots are the best baby cots. When looking for a cot, consider the following safety regulations. The slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and corner posts no more than 1/16 inch higher than the side boards. Drop sides on cots must be 26 inches above the mattress when raised and 9 inches above when lowered. The drop sides need a secure locking mechanism. There should be no more than two fingers width of distance between the mattress and the side boards.

Features

Cots come with or without drop sides to easily pick up the baby. The drop sides are a good feature, but increase the risk that the baby will get out of the cot. Metal mattress supports are better than wooden and last longer when supporting a bouncy toddler. An adjustable mattress height allows parents to adjust the height of the mattress at the baby grows. Rolling casters help when parents need to move the crib. When baby starts teething a plastic teething rail saves gums and reduces the damage to the cot.

Pricing

The most expensive baby cots cost around $1,000 or more. These cots offer the newest safety features, sturdiest materials and artistic designs such as a sleigh style. Some of them even have drawers underneath the crib for extra storage. The cheapest cribs cost between a $100 and $200. They meet minimum safety standards, look attractive and require some assembly. Those on a budget aim for a slightly more expensive cot with minimum safety requirements, metal supports and sturdy frame.

Types

Parents have four types of cribs to choose from: standard, convertible, canopy and round. The standard crib is available with or without drop sides and is the most commonly found crib style. Convertible cribs convert from a standard to a toddler bed and then to a full-sized daybed. These cribs last the longest, but cost more initially. Canopy beds offer more privacy for the baby and add some elegance to any room with a fabric over the bed. The round crib claims to offer 360 degrees of stimulating scenery and some feature a single drop side.

References

• My Mommy Manual: How to Pick a Crib for Baby
• The Baby Department: Crib Safety Standards
• Baby Bedroom: What Type of Cot Should I Buy?

Resources

• The New Parents Guide: Baby Crib Buying Guide
• The Imperfect Parent: New Baby Crib Regulations Enacted in the US