Buying an Infant Cot Bed
The most popular type is a cot. It's a fantastic place to rest your baby. It isn't easy for your child to settle in their cot.
Babies must be able to roll over easily. They also require a flat surface to lay on. This means avoiding pillows or blankets in their cots as they could pose an air suffocation risk.
Safety features
When purchasing an infant cot bed it is essential to ensure whether it was made safely. This means that you must ensure that it has been tested to required standards and that all of its components are secure. You can check this by looking for a JPMA certification seal or ensuring that there aren't any gaps between the mattress and the product sides that could trap an infant's head, arms or legs. It is also recommended to avoid putting on pillows blankets, stuffed animals, or pillows as these can pose a suffocation hazard.
You may have to enter your child's room to change nappy, clean the cot or give them cuddles. You should also check that the cot bed has a waterproof mattress cover to shield it from accidents.
Most cot beds have adjustable mattress heights. Some have sides that are removable and can be adjusted as your child grows. This will make it easier to get your child in and out of their cot as they get older. However, it is important to still keep an eye on your child and encourage them to move to a toddler bed at 18 months to two years old if they exhibit signs that they are ready.
If your child is in the cot bed, it is recommended to position the cot away from heaters, windows, wall lamps and cords for curtains or blinds as these can be an entrapment risk for infants. It is recommended to also remove any climbing aids such as large toys and create a space surrounding the cot that is free of toys or bedding which could cause death by suffocation. This will help to keep your baby safe from injuries and help make the transition into a toddler bed a less stressful process for all of you.
Convenience
A well-designed cot provides an environment for sleep that encourages healthy posture. Its thoughtful spacing minimizes the chance of entanglement which could lead to suffocation for infants. Its simple design enables parents to attend to their baby's requirements during diaper changes and at nighttime feedings.
Most cots come in standard sizes, so they can be used with any mattresses for babies that are standard. The cots are typically equipped with a mattress pad and a fitted sheet to protect the cot against scratches and bumps. Some cots come with removable sides, making it easier for the baby to get in at night. It is essential to follow The Lullaby Trust's recommendations and only use a suitable mattress for your child's weight and age.
When your baby outgrows their cot, it's time to transition them to a toddler bed. It can be a difficult moment for parents and babies, but you can help ease the transition. Make sure you check the height of the crib first. You want it to be lower that the crib of your baby so they do not have to climb up or jump out.
Drop-side cots are a great option for older babies, who are able to crawl and lift their feet. These cots also come with pedals or catches that prevent your child from releasing the cot themselves. These are especially useful for taller parents, who do not have the reach to lift their child out of the cot by themselves.
Some cots come with a side that can be lowered and raised. This is great for older babies who are starting to roll over or wiggle when they sleep. This type of cot also comes with a safety shield, that is typically made of metal or plastic, and can help to prevent your baby from falling out.
You can also purchase an Moses basket that converts into a bed, which is perfect for younger babies and toddlers. It's smaller than the standard one, meaning it will take up less space in your child's room. It's also simple to move around, and most have wheels that make it simple to maneuver.
Aesthetics
A good cot bed should be stylish and blend well with the other furniture in your nursery. This will create a relaxing environment for your baby and it will also add to the overall ambiance of the room. It should not be too close to a window or door, as this could expose your baby to drafts that could disturb their sleep.
You can pick from a range of baby cots, but the top ones have a sleek design that is stylish and easy to clean. Some are constructed of durable wood and feature fixed safety rails that keep your child safe. Some are made of metal and are simple to put together. It is crucial to select a cot that will not cause your baby to overheat and the fabric should be soft. A cot should not be placed close to a fire because it could catch on the flame.
Some cots come with an underneath basket or drawer which is great for storing muslin cloths as well as blankets. You can also use a hood to protect your baby from light and sound, which will help them sleep better at night. It is also important to get a mattress that is similar to the size of your cot, and you should choose organic cotton if possible.
A cot is a crucial piece of furniture for your baby, and it will last until they are around four years old. Some cots can even be used as toddler beds. If you're looking for a top quality cot that is well-built, the Mamas and Papas Coxley is a great alternative. It comes in a range of colors and was voted the best crib for newborn cot at the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. It's stylish and is easy to put together and comes with three mattress heights.
Incorporating a few toys into the crib of your child will help them sleep longer. Do not add pillows or extra mattresses to the cot because they could cause suffocation or injury. You can buy a hygienic mattress cover to decrease the frequency of washing the mattress. The cover protects the mattress from stains caused by the shedding of sweat, soaking or soaking.
Space saving
Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds and are designed for your child's development. This can help reduce the cost of replacing furniture for a cot and makes the transition from crib to bed seamless for your child. A lot of cots have built-in storage for items like blankets, toys and books. This feature is particularly useful in the event that you have a limited amount of space in your home.
Contrary to bassinets, cot beds typically have slatted designs that allows air to circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. The slats also help keep the mattress fresh and clean. They are also less vulnerable to sagging, unlike bassinets which can cause discomfort for your baby. You can pick from several slats including wide, standard, and narrow. No matter what slats you select, it is essential to select a thick and firm mattress for the security and comfort of your child.
Some cots have a top that is made of metal or plastic, which helps to stop your child from getting out of bed. However it is important to have these tops removed when your child gets older, as they can cause injuries. There are many cots that are available. There are a variety of cots offered in various styles and colors. Some cots come with additional features like teething bars, and drawers for storage under the bed.
One of our favorite is the Mamas and Papas Coxley cot bed, which has an attractive design and simple assembly. The cot is an excellent choice for parents on a tight budget, since it is less expensive than other options available. The cot comes with an ordinary mattress size. This makes it easier 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. This cot is also suitable for infants and is super compact, which makes it an ideal choice if you're working with limited space. The Boori Oasis is a stylish and beautiful cot that's easy to put together. It's a beautiful addition to any nursery. It's a bit more expensive than the other cots we tried, but it's still worth considering if you're looking for a high-quality cot that will grow with your child.