Choosing a cot: quick safety guide

Canvas cot or cot with bars?

You've found out that a life is growing in your tummy and you're already imagining what it will be like? Two hearts, lots of dreams and lots of joy. Already thinking which cot to buy?
From my experience as a mum of four and an expert in accident prevention, I would like to highlight a few important points. Choosing the right cot is an essential step for your child's safety and comfort.

Step 1: Choose your room

📌 Ask yourself, "Which is the brightest room in the house?"
That'll be your baby's room, because that's where you'll spend a lot of time together, and natural light helps your baby develop.

Step 2: Type of cot

In my experience, I have tested different types of cot. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

🛏️ Canvas cot

Benefits
✔️ Soft, the risk of bumping is lower.
✔️ Standard sizes; you can choose a good mattress.
✔️ Can also be used as a playground; the child feels comfortable.

Disadvantages
❌ It should not be placed next to a wall or hard furniture as the child may bump.
❌ Harder to sanitise (textile).
❌ The baby is harder to get up in the bum because he doesn't have support bars to practise.

🛏️ Bar cushion (wood or other hard material)

Benefits
✔️ Stable and long-lasting; some can be converted into a desk as your child grows.
✔️ Allows your child to grip the bars and practise lifting faster.
✔️ It's easier to sanitise than canvas.

Disadvantages
❌ Requires protection
❌ There is a risk of hitting (head/bar) if it has no guards or if the distance between the bars is too large (>6 cm).
❌ Harder to move/transport than canvas.

Minimum tips for any cot

🛡️ Safety: the cot should be as empty as possible - no pillows, thick blankets, large toys or bulky cushions.
👶 Sleep: a sleeping bag is safer than a blanket.
🛏️ Mattress: firm and snug-fitting (no gaps between mattress and edges).
🧵 Bed linen: make sure the sheet is securely fastened so the baby doesn't pull it up and wrap itself in it.
⚠️ Supervision: don't sleep in the same bed as your baby; breastfeed/feed in the correct position and always keep an eye on your baby, especially at night.

Make informed choices, test and always think from your child's perspective: how they will explore, how they will support themselves and what they might achieve. Safety, comfort and development are most important!