Buying a Baby Cot Bed
Cot beds are a more long-term choice than cribs as they can be converted into an adult bed. They have removable sides, and the end panel can be dropped to allow access to your child.
The majority of cots are suitable for use from birth to around 2 years, or until your child starts to climb out. Then, you can switch to a junior bed.
4 Walls
Cot beds provide secure and safe for your baby to rest in at night or during nap time. They feature high walls or rails to prevent your baby from falling and many come with adjustable mattress heights. A cot bed is suitable for both infants and toddlers. There are a myriad of cot bed models, ranging from the basic and affordable cots to those that come with a variety of features. The choice ultimately is based on the family's budget and requirements.
Anyone who is a new parent will discover it important to make the right decision when it comes to choosing a baby's sleeping arrangement. You need to ensure that your baby is safe and secure. It must also be a place you can use for a prolonged period of time. While cots can be great for infants and are small, they can also be difficult to squeeze into smaller spaces. They're also only usually suitable for use from 18 months. A cot bed is a better choice for longer-term use and is easily converted into a toddler or a small single bed.
Snuz Cot Bed is a flexible, affordable cot. This is a simple but sturdy cot with an extra deep hood that shields your baby from the elements of wind and sun. It has a storage space at the end, where you can put away bedding and other necessities.
Another good choice is an alternative is the CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot. This cot can be converted from a cot into a toddler or single bed with the help of an extension kit that is available separately. It has three different mattress heights, so you can keep the mattress up for newborns and small babies, and then lower it down as your child gets older.
The final alternative is a travel bed. They are only suitable for short-term use and might not offer the same level support as a regular bed. They typically have mattresses that aren't as strong or thick as traditional ones. They can be a useful alternative to a standard cot while you travel, but it's worth remembering that they'll only last a few years at most before your child is ready for larger beds.
Protect your mattress from water with a waterproof mattress
A amount of thought is given to buying a cot, however less thought is given to the mattress that your baby will sleep on. This is one of the most important purchases you make for your baby. we suggest investing in a good quality organic cotton baby mattress.
You should ensure that your baby's crib is free of blankets, pillows or toys. They can impede the airflow around your child. It is recommended to position the cot or cot bed away from heaters, radiators, windows, plug sockets and cables that could pose a hazard.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin Cot Bed is a very popular choice for our mum testers. It is available in four different colors and has a lovely design that looks like it's going to last for a long time. It also converts into a toddler bed so your baby can use it right up to the age of 4.
The SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed is another cot that has great style and value (PS695 Mother&Baby). Our mom testers were impressed by its sleek design and said it was "simple yet stylish and will endure the test of time". It is designed to grow with your child too and comes with two levels of height for the mattress, so you can keep your newborn raised and then lower it when they begin to sit up unaided.
When you are choosing a cot it is important to keep in your mind that there should be no more than 25mm (1 inch) gap between the mattress and the cot's sides and ends. This will ensure that your baby won't escape from the crib or get trapped between the slats on the mattress. Use a mattress cover that is 100% organic cotton and GOTS certified to ensure that it is breathable, soft and waterproof.
If you prefer, you can opt for a more high-tech option and opt for the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot (PS355, Cuckooland). It's an innovative piece of equipment that includes a mobile app, weaning features, access to sleep consultants and much more. However, it's expensive and could be out of budget for many parents.
Blankets at The End
If you're planning on letting your child sleep on a blanket in their crib or cot ensure that you have plenty of extras to rotate through the wash. This will keep the sheets clean and fresh and prevent them from becoming dirty and uncomfortable for your baby cots online. A minimum of three to four sets should suffice.
You can change your bedding more often with an organic muslin bedding. They also breathe, which helps to keep your baby's skin healthy and happy. They are available in different sizes and colors which means you can find the perfect ones for your baby's requirements.
The best blankets are soft, warm and breathable. A blanket that is heavy and bulky can cause your baby to drown. A blanket made from organic cotton muslin is the best cot beds choice, as it is light and airy. A thermal blanket is another excellent alternative. These are great for warm summer days when your baby will require a light cover to keep them warm.
In general it is recommended you do away with blankets in your child's crib when they reach the age of 18 months or earlier if you can. This is because they can become dangerous if they are allowed to climb on them, leading to accidents like falling out of bed or the crib. If your child is used to sleeping with blankets and has been covered from birth or sleeps in a baby sleep bag, you may want to leave it in place until they are ready to transition to a duvet.
Many parents use milestone blankets to mark their child's progress and growth. These blankets are typically numbered in accordance with the child's age. This is a wonderful way to keep your family and friends updated about your baby's progress and also capture precious memories. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a gorgeous double layer blanket that gives warmth and comfort, and is comfortable and breathable.
Easy to Assemble
While a baby cot bed is among the most important furniture pieces for nursery but it's also a significant investment. It's worth the effort to choose one that looks as good as it is sturdy and practical. The most important factor to consider is that the cot should be in keeping with the overall style of your baby's room. It is also important to think about whether the cot will convert into a toddler bed, and if so, how easy this is to accomplish.
When you are choosing a cot you should select a model with robust frames, sturdy rails and smooth surfaces. Avoid cots that have curved corners, because they can create a strangulation risk. Also, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully, and don't use any tool that could cause harm. Finally, don't be afraid to seek assistance. Ask your friend or family member to help you.
Many cot beds come with matching furniture for the nursery which can help pull the design of your room together. If you don't have the money for this there are plenty of good-quality standalone options available. The Elementary cot-bed from John Lewis Anyday comes in a white finish with solid FSC pine, making it a durable option. It also has three mattress heights, which means it's suitable from the time of birth and can be adjusted when your child is ready to start standing (usually at around 18 months).
Another alternative is the Scandi-style Coxley cot from Stokke that is a gorgeous hand-crafted look and a neutral grey finish that will suit any decor. It's simple to put together and fits into door frames that are standard which is helpful when you need to shift it around your home. With the addition of a simple kit, it can be converted into a stylish toddler bed in the bench style. It's light enough to put into a bag for when you go on vacation. Our panel of parents agreed that it was "a dream to put together" and "looks beautiful". They also appreciated the ability to move the base position of the mattress upwards or downwards to keep your baby's head up during naps and prevent them from falling asleep at night.