Your baby will spend more time in their cot than anywhere else in the first year. That makes the cot the most important piece of nursery furniture you will buy. Use this checklist when you compare options.
Slat spacing
The gaps between the cot bars should be narrow — international safety standards generally call for no more than about 6 cm — so a baby’s head, arms or legs cannot slip through or get stuck.
Mattress fit
The mattress should fit snugly inside the cot with no large gaps around the edges. If you can fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the side of the cot, the mattress is too small.
Sturdy, stable construction
Give the cot a firm shake. It should not wobble or creak, and every joint should be tight. Check that there are no loose screws, sharp edges or parts a baby could pull off.
No cut-outs or decorative gaps
Avoid cut-out shapes in the head or foot board that a baby’s head could fit through, and corner posts that stick up high above the end panels.
Adjustable base height
Many cots let you raise the mattress base for a newborn (easier on your back) and lower it once the baby can sit or pull up.
Convertible cots
A convertible cot can turn into a toddler bed later, so the piece stays useful for longer. It is worth asking about when you compare designs.
Plan the whole nursery
Alongside the cot you will want a dresser or chest of drawers and a changing area. Matching nursery sets keep the room calm and organised.
Explore our baby cots & nursery furniture, or visit Wood Panache in Gujranwala to see the nursery sets in person.
