Buying an Infant Cot Bed
A cot is the most commonly used type of baby bed. It's a wonderful place to rest your baby. However it can be a struggle for babies to settle into their cot.
Babies must be able to roll over easily. They also need to sleep on a flat surface. Avoid using blankets or pillows because they could cause an airway obstruction.
Safety features
When purchasing an infant cot bed it is important that you check that it was manufactured safely. This means you should ensure that it has been tested according to appropriate standards and that all components are safe. This can be accomplished by checking for the JPMA certification seal, or ensuring that there aren't any gaps between the mattress and its sides which could trap an infant's head, arms or leg. Also, make sure that you do not add pillows or blankets to the cot as they can be an air suffocation hazard.
It is also worth looking into whether or not the bed allows you to climb over it easily with your baby in it. This is because you may need to visit the room on occasion to change nappies or clean the cot and/or give your baby some cuddles. You will also want to make sure that the cot is equipped with a waterproof mattress protector to protect it from any accidents your infant may have.
Some cots have removable sides and adjustable mattress heights. These can be adjusted as your child grows. This makes it easier for your baby to climb in and out of the cot as they grow older, but it is important to be on the lookout for them and move them onto a toddler bed at 18 months or 2 years when they begin to exhibit signs that they are ready for this.
If your child is sleeping in the cot bed, it is recommended to position the bed away from heaters, wall lamps, windows and cords for curtains or blinds because they can pose an injury to babies who are strangulated. It is recommended to create a space surrounding the cot that is free of any toys or bedding that could cause an suffocation hazard and also take away climbing aids such as large toys. This will help to protect your child from injury and make the transition into a toddler bed a smoother process for everyone.
Convenience
A well-designed cot creates a supportive sleep environment that encourages healthy posture. Its thoughtful spacing minimizes the risk of entanglement that could result in a risk of suffocation for babies. Its simple design allows parents to pay attention to their baby's needs during diaper changes and at nighttime feedings.
The majority of cots are standard sizes, meaning they can be used with any mattresses for babies that are standard. The cots usually come with a mattress pad and fitted sheets to protect the cot from scratches and bumps. Some cots have a removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby during the nighttime. But, it is essential to follow the recommendations of The Lullaby Trust and only use the mattress that is suitable for your child's weight and age.
When your child outgrows his or her cot, you should move them to a bed for toddlers. It can be a difficult moment for parents and babies, but there are ways to make the transition easier. First, you must determine the height of the cot. It should be lower than your baby's bed, so that they don't have to jump or climb out of it.
Cots with drop sides are another option, as they are safer for older children who can reach their feet and crawl over the edge. They also have pedals or catch that stop your child from releasing the cot by themselves. These are especially useful for taller parents, who aren't able to get their baby out of the cot by themselves.
Some cots come with the option of having a side that can be raised and lowered. This is great for older babies who are beginning to roll over or wiggle during sleep. This type of cot has a safety guard that is made of plastic or metal and prevents your baby from falling.
Alternatively, you can buy an Moses basket that can be converted into bed, which is perfect for toddlers and infants. This is a smaller cot than the standard one, meaning it will take up less space in your child's room. It's also easy to move and many of them have wheels that help you move it.
Aesthetics
A cot bed that is of good cribs quality should look stylish and fit in well with the rest of your nursery. This will create a peaceful environment for your baby. It will also add to overall ambiance in the room. It should not be too close to a window or door because this could expose your baby to drafts that could disturb their sleep.
You can pick from a range of online cots for babies, but the best ones have a sleek design that looks stunning and is easy to clean. Some of them are crafted out of sturdy wood and come with safety rails that are fixed to ensure your child's safety. Others are made of steel and are easy to assemble. Choose a cot with a soft fabric that will not make your baby sweat. The cot shouldn't be set near a flame, as it could catch the flame.
Some cots have a drawer or basket underneath that can be useful for storing muslin cloths as well as blankets. You can also put on a hood to protect your baby from sound and light which will help them sleep better at night. It is also recommended to choose an identical size mattress as your baby's cot. If you can, you should use organic cotton.
A cot is an important piece of furniture for your baby, and it will last them until they are around four years old. Some cots can be used as toddler beds. If you are looking for a top quality cot, the Mamas and Papas Coxley is a great choice. It is available in a variety of colours and was named the best cots uk cot in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. It's beautiful in design and is simple to assemble and comes with three mattress base heights.
A few toys added to the crib of your child will help them sleep for longer. Do not add mattresses or pillows to the cot as they can cause suffocation and injury. You can also purchase an appropriate cover for the mattress to eliminate the requirement to wash it frequently. The cover will protect your mattress from staining which result from shedding or sweat.
Space saving
Cot beds can be transformed to toddler beds, and are designed for your child's development. This reduces the cost of replacing furniture for a cot as well as making the transition from crib to bed effortless for your child. A lot of cots have built-in storage that can be used to store items like toys, blankets and books. This feature is particularly useful if your home is limited in space.
Contrary to bassinets, cot beds generally have a slatted structure that allows air to circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. The slats help keep your mattress clean and fresh. They are also less susceptible to sagging than bassinets which can be uncomfortable for babies. You can pick from a variety of slat sizes, including narrow, standard, and wide. No matter what slats you select, it is essential to select a thick and firm mattress to ensure the security and comfort of your baby.
Some cots have an aluminum or plastic top to help prevent your baby from climbing on the bed. These tops may cause injury to your child, so they should be removed when they reach a certain age. There are a variety of cots for sale and many are available in a variety of styles and colors. Some cots come with additional features, such as teething bars, and under-bed storage drawers.
One of our favorites is the Mamas and Papas Coxley cot bed, which has a beautiful aesthetic and simple assembly. It's also a good choice for parents who are on a budget, as it's cheaper than other options available. The cot comes with the mattress of standard size. This makes it simpler to purchase bedding.
Leander cot beds are another great alternative. They come with an under-bed storage drawer which can be used to store toys and bedding. It is also suitable for infants and is extremely compact, making it a great option if you have limited space. The Boori Oasis is a stylish and elegant cot that is simple to assemble. It looks great in any nursery. It's more expensive than the other cots, but still worth a look if your goal is to find a high-quality crib that will grow with your child's.