Buying an Infant Cot Bed
The most common kind is a cot. It is a fantastic place for your infant to sleep. However, it can be difficult for infants to settle into their cot.
Babies should be able roll over easily. They also need an even surface to sleep on. Avoid using pillows or blankets because they could cause suffocation.
Safety features
When you purchase an infant cot bed it is essential to ensure that it was manufactured safely. It is essential to make sure that the product has been tested to the proper standards and that its parts are safe. This can be done by examining the JPMA certification seal, or ensuring that there aren't any gaps between the mattress and product sides that could trap a baby's head, legs or arms. Also, avoid adding pillows, stuffed animals or blankets as these can pose a suffocation hazard.
It is also worth considering whether or not the cot bed allows you to reach over it easily with your infant within it, this is because you might need to go into the room from time to time to change nappies, clean the cot and/or give your baby some cuddles. Also, you should make sure that the cot is equipped with a waterproof mattress protector as this will protect it from any accidents your infant might have.
Some cot beds come with removable sides and adjustable mattress heights. These can be adjusted as your child grows. This makes it easier for your infant to climb into and out of the cot as they grow older, but you should keep an eye on them and move them onto the toddler bed around 18 months or two years old when they begin to exhibit signs that they are ready for this.
It is essential to keep your child's cot bed away from heating elements and wall lamps. Also, cords of blinds or curtains could cause strangulation. It is recommended to create a space around the cot, free of any toys or bedding that could pose an suffocation hazard and also take away climbing aids such as large toys. This will keep your baby secure and make the transition to a toddler bed less stressful for everyone.
Convenience
A well-designed crib promotes an ideal posture and supportive sleeping environment. Its intentional spacing minimises the dangers of entanglement, which can lead to a suffocation risk for infants. Its simple design also provides parents with the ability to easily taking care of their baby's needs during diaper changes or evening feedings.
Most cots come in standard sizes, so they can be used with any standard baby mattress. They usually also come with a fitted sheet and an extra cushion that shields the mattress from bumps and scratches. There are some cots that come with a removable side which allows you to easily reach your child during the time of bed. However, it's important to follow the advice from The Lullaby Trust and only use mattresses that are suitable for your child's age and weight.
If your child is outgrowing their cot, it's the time to move them into a toddler bed. This can be a stressful time for both parents and baby, but there are some things you can do to help to make the transition easier. First, check the height of the cot. You want it to be lower than the baby's bed, so that they don't need to climb or jump out of it.
Drop-sides for cots are a different option, since they're safer for older babies who are able to climb up and walk over the edge. They also come with catches or pedals that prevent your baby from releasing themselves. These are especially useful for parents who are taller, and don't have the reach to get their baby out of the cot by themselves.
Some cots are designed with a drop-down side that is able to be adjusted to lower or raise and is ideal for older babies who are beginning to roll over and wriggle in their sleep. This kind of cot comes with a safety shield, which is usually made of metal or plastic, and can help prevent your baby from falling out.
You can also purchase a Moses basket that can be converted into a bed, which is great for toddlers and babies who are younger. It's an incredibly smaller cot than a standard one, so it occupies less space in your child's room. It's also easy to move, and many come with wheels to make it easier to manoeuvre.
Aesthetics
A good cot bed must be stylish and blend perfectly with the other furniture in your nursery. This will help to create a peaceful environment for your baby, and will add to the overall ambience of the room. It shouldn't be placed too close to a window or door because this could expose your baby to drafts that could disturb their sleep.
You can choose from a range of cots for babies, but the most effective ones have a sleek design that looks stunning and is easy to clean. Some are constructed of durable wood and come with fixed safety rails to keep your child safe. Some are made of steel and are simple to assemble. Choose a cot with a soft fabric that will not make your baby overheat. A cot shouldn't be placed near a flame since it may catch the fire.
Some cots have a drawer or basket under the mattress that can be used to store blankets and muslins. You can also put on a hood to protect your child from noise and light which can help them sleep better at night. You should also choose an identical size mattress as your baby's cot. If possible you should choose organic cotton.
A cot is an important piece of furniture for your Baby beds and it will last them until they are around four years old. Some cots can be converted into 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 is available in a variety of colours and was voted the best cot in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. It is easy to assemble and has a stunning design, and comes with three mattress heights.
Include a few toys in the sale cot bed of your infant to help them sleep for longer. However, you should not try to make the cot more comfortable with mattresses or pillows in case they pose a risk of suffocation and injuries. You can buy a hygienic mattress cover to cut down on the frequency of cleaning the mattress. The cover protects your mattress from staining that result from sweat or shedding sweat.
Space saving
Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds and are designed to accommodate your child's development. This helps to minimize the cost of replacing furniture for a cot as well as making the transition from crib to bed effortless for your little one. Many cots come with built-in shelves that can be used to store items such as blankets, toys and books. This feature is especially useful when you're short of space in your home.
Contrary to cribs and bassinets cots have a slatted structure that allows air to circulate. This helps to regulate your baby's body temperature. The slats can also help keep the mattress clean and fresh. They are also less prone to sagging than bassinets which can be uncomfortable for your baby. You can choose from a range of slat sizes, including narrow, standard, and wide. Whatever size you choose it is important to select a thick and firm mattress for your baby's comfort as well as security.
Some cots have the top made of plastic or metal to prevent your child from climbing the bed. However the tops must be removed when your child gets older, since they could cause injuries. There are a variety of cheap cots on the market and many are available in different styles and colours. Some come with additional features, like teething rails and under-bed drawers.
One of our top picks is one of our favorites is the Mamas and Papas Coxley cot bed, which features a beautiful aesthetic and easy assembly. The cot is an excellent choice for parents who are on a tight budget, since it is less expensive than other options available. The crib comes with an ordinary mattress size. This makes it easier to purchase bedding.
Leander cot beds are another great alternative. They have an under-bed storage drawer that is able to be used to store toys and bedding. This cot is also suitable for infants and is extremely compact, which makes it a great option for those working with limited space. The Boori Oasis is a chic, beautiful cot that's easy to put together. It looks great in any nursery. It's a bit more expensive than the other cots that we tested however, it's worth considering if you're searching for a cot that's high-quality and can grow with your baby.