Buying a Baby Cot Bed
Cot beds are a more long-term option than cribs since they can be transformed into an adult bed. They also have removable sides and an end panel that can be dropped down to provide access to your child.
Most cots can be used from birth to approximately 2 years old, or until your child is old enough to attempt to climb out. Then, it is time to change to junior beds.
4 Walls
Cot beds provide secure and safe for your baby to rest in at night or during nap time. They are equipped with high walls or rails to keep your baby from falling out, and a majority of them have adjustable mattress heights that can be lowered as your child grows. A cot bed is ideal for both infants and toddlers. There are many cot bed models, ranging from simple and inexpensive to models with numerous additional features. The choice ultimately comes down to the family's budget and requirements.
Choosing the right baby sleeping arrangement is a crucial decision for any parent who is about to become a. You need to ensure that your baby is safe and safe. It should also be a space that you can use for a prolonged period of time. While cribs are great for babies, they're also quite compact and can be difficult to fit into smaller spaces. In addition, they're typically not suitable until your child reaches 18 months or at the earliest. A cot bed is a better option for longer-term use and is easily transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed.
If you're looking for a good-value, versatile cot, we recommend the Snuz Cot Bed. It's a sturdy and simple cot that has a hood that extends to shield your baby from wind and sun. It also has a storage space towards the end, so you can put away bedding and other essentials.
Another good choice is another option is the CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot. The cot is designed to be an ordinary cot, but can be converted into a toddler bed or even one bed, thanks to an extension kit that is available separately. It has three different mattress heights so that you can keep the mattress up for infants and babies, and then lower it down as your child gets older.
The last option is a travel bed. They are typically only suitable for temporary use and don't offer the same degree of support as a regular cot. They usually come with mattresses which are not as firm or thick as regular ones. They can be a good alternative to a standard cot while you travel but you should remember that they'll only last several years before your child is ready to move on to an even bigger bed.
Protect your mattress from water with a waterproof mattress
Often a amount of thought is given to buying a cot, but little thought is given to the mattress that your baby will sleep on. This is a crucial purchase for your baby. We recommend investing in an organic cotton crib.
As new research shows restricted airflow may be the cause of SIDS and SUDI, you will want to make sure your baby's bedroom is free of pillows, toys, blankets, muslin cloths or cot bumpers that can restrict the circulation of air around your little one. Ideally, you will also position the cot or cot bed away from heaters, radiators windows as well as plug sockets and cables that could pose a hazard.
If you are looking for a chic cot, the Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed (PS375, Cuckooland) is an extremely popular choice among our mom testers. It is available in four colours and has beautiful design that looks like it's going to endure the test of time. It can also convert into a toddler bed, so your baby can use it right up to the age of 4.
Another cot with great style and value is the SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed (PS695, Mother and Baby). Our mum testers were amazed by its sleek design, stating that it was "simple but stylish and will last the test of time". It's designed to grow with your child too and has two height settings for the mattress, so you can keep your newborn raised and then lower it when they begin to sit up unaided.
It is essential to keep in mind that the mattress should not have a gap greater than 25mm (1") between it and the sides and ends of the cot. This will ensure that your child won't climb out of the crib or get trapped between the slats of the mattress. Also, you should use mattress protectors that are 100 100% cotton and GOTS Certified Organic, so that it's breathable and soft but also completely waterproof to avoid any unwanted leaks!
If you'd rather an option that is high-tech, then the SNOO Baby Cot Smart Sleeper (PS355, Cuckooland) is a great choice. It's an innovative piece of equipment that includes an app for mobile devices, a weaning feature and access to sleep experts and more. However, it's expensive and may be out of budget for many parents.
Blankets at the end of the Line
If you're planning on letting your baby sleep on blankets in their cot or crib be sure to have plenty of extras to rotate through the wash. This will prevent the sheets from becoming too soiled and uncomfortable for your little one, as well as help to keep their bed clean and fresh. A minimum of three or four sets is sufficient.
A good set of organic muslin blankets allows you to wash the sheets regularly without worrying about them becoming too dirty. They are also breathable, which helps to keep your baby's skin healthy and happy. You can choose from a variety of sizes and colors to find the perfect one for your baby.
The best blankets are soft warm and airy. You don't want a blanket that is too bulky and heavy as it could cause the risk of suffocation to your baby. It is best to choose a blanket made from organic cotton muslin, which is lightweight and breathable. Another option is a thermal blanket. They are an excellent choice for balmy summer days when your baby will require a lightweight cover to keep them warm.
In general, it's recommended to stop using a blanket in your child’s crib by the age of 18 months or earlier if it is possible. It is because they become risky if children climb on them. This could result in accidents such as falling from the crib or in bed. If your child is used to sleeping on blankets and has been covered from birth or sleeps in a baby sleep bag then you might want to leave the blanket in place until they are ready to move to a duvet.
Many parents use milestone blankets to mark their child's growth and progress. These blankets are typically designated in accordance with the child's age. This is a wonderful way to keep your family and friends informed about your baby's progress and capture precious memories. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a stunning double layer blanket that provides warmth and coziness, yet is still breathable.
Easy to Assemble
A baby cot bed, while one of the most essential furniture pieces for the nursery, is also a significant investment. It's worth taking time to select one that looks as attractive as it is durable and practical. The most important consideration is that the cot must be in keeping with the overall style of the room your baby is in. You should also consider whether the cot could be converted into a toddler bed, and if so, how easy it is to accomplish.
When you are choosing a cot you should select a model with robust frames solid rails and smooth surfaces. Avoid cots with curved corners, because they could pose the risk of strangulation. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions carefully, and don't use any tool that can cause damage. Don't be shy about asking for assistance. Assembly is usually easier when it's done with two people, so you can ask your spouse or a family member to assist you.
Many cribs come with matching furniture for your nursery that can really bring the design of your room together. If you don't want to spend a lot of cost, there are a number of good quality standalone options. The Elementary cot-bed from John Lewis Anyday comes in a white finish with solid FSC pine, making it a durable choice. It also has three mattress height positions so it's suitable for use starting from birth. It can also be lowered when your child is ready to start standing (usually at around 18 months).
Another option is the Scandi-style Coxley cot from Stokke It is a gorgeous hand-crafted look and a neutral grey finish that will suit any room. It's easy to assemble and fits through door frames that are standard which is helpful in the event that you need to move it around your home. With the addition of a simple kit, it can be converted into a stylish toddler bed in a bench-style. It's also light enough to be transported in its own carry bag for trips away. Our panel of parents said it was "a dream to put together" and "looks gorgeous". They also loved the fact that you can move the base of the mattress upwards or downwards to keep your baby's head in a higher position during nap time and stop them from rolling off at the end of the night.