Buying a Baby Cot Bed
Cot beds can be transformed to toddler beds, which makes them a better long-term option than cribs. They also have removable sides and an end panel that can be dropped down to make it easier for your child.
The majority of cribs can be used from birth until approximately 2 years old, or until your child is old enough to want to climb out. Then, you should change to junior beds.
4 Walls
Cot beds offer a safe, secure place for your baby to sleep or rest at night. They are equipped with high walls or rails to prevent your baby from slipping out, and a majority of them have adjustable mattress heights that can be lowered as your child grows. This makes a cot bed perfect for infants and toddlers alike. There are many different types of cot beds available in a range of styles, from basic and budget-friendly models to those with extra features. Ultimately, the decision is based on your family's requirements and budget.
Every new parent will find it important to make the right decision when choosing a baby's sleeping arrangement. You want to make sure that your baby is comfortable and safe. It must also be a place you can use for a prolonged period of time. While cots offers are great for infants and are small, they can also be difficult to accommodate in smaller spaces. In addition, they're typically not suitable until your child is 18 months old or at the earliest. A crib-bed is a more sturdy option that can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed.
If you're looking for a good-value cot that can be used in a variety of ways, we recommend the Snuz Cot Bed. This is a basic but sturdy cot that comes with a hood that is extra-deep which shields your child from the sun and wind. It has a storage area towards the end, so you can keep bedding and other necessities.
CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot is another option. It's a traditional cot but can be transformed into an infant bed or as a single bed because of an extension kit that's sold separately. It includes three different mattress heights, so you can alter it to fit your child's age.
The last option is a travel bed. These are typically intended for short-term use, and may not offer the same degree of support as a regular cot. Additionally, they usually come with mattresses that aren't as firm or as thick as a standard cot. They can be a good alternative to a standard cot when you're travelling, but it's worth remembering that they'll only last for several years before your child is ready to move on to larger beds.
Mattress Protector Waterproof
Many parents spend lots of time and effort selecting a cot, but pay little attention to the mattress your baby will sleep on. It is among the most important purchases you make for your baby. we recommend purchasing a high-quality organic cotton baby mattress.
You will want to ensure that your baby cots on sale's crib is free of blankets, pillows or toys. They can block the air flow around your child. Ideally, you should place the cot bed away from heaters, radiators windows as well as plug sockets and cables that could be risk.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin Cot Bed is a popular choice among our mom testers. It is available in four colors and looks like it will last for an extended period of time. It can also convert into a toddler bed which means your baby can use it up until the age of 4.
Another cot with excellent style and value is the SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed (PS695, Mother and Baby). Our mum testers were impressed by its sleek design, saying it was "simple but stylish tots and cots will stand the test of time". It's designed to develop with your child. It comes with two different height settings so you can increase the height of your baby and lower it once they are able to sit up on their own.
It is important to remember that the mattress shouldn't have a gap of more than 25mm (1") between it and the edges and sides of the cot. This will ensure that your baby can't climb out of the crib or get caught between the slats of the mattress. You should also always use mattress protectors that are 100% cotton and GOTS certified Organic, to ensure it's breathable and soft but also completely waterproof to stop any leaks!
If you prefer, you can choose a more advanced alternative and select the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot (PS355, Cuckooland). It's a smart piece of kit which has a mobile app, weaning feature and access to sleep experts and much more. It is expensive and not accessible to many parents.
Blankets at the End of The Road
If you're planning to let your child sleep on a blanket in their cot or crib, make sure you have plenty of blankets to rotate through the wash. This will keep the sheets clean and fresh and will prevent them from becoming too dirty and uncomfortable for your baby. Three to four sheets should be sufficient.
A high-quality set of organic muslin blankets allows you to wash the sheets regularly without worrying about them getting too dirty. They are also breathable which will help keep your baby's delicate skin healthy. You can pick from a wide range of sizes and colors to find the perfect one for your baby.
The best baby blankets are soft and comfortable but also breathable. You don't want a blanket that is too heavy and bulky as it could cause the risk of suffocation to your baby. It is best to choose a blanket made of organic cotton muslin that is breathable and lightweight. Another alternative is a thermal blanket. These are great for balmy summer days when your baby will need an easy-to-wear cover to keep them warm.
In general it is recommended that you remove blankets from your child's crib at the age of 18 months, or earlier if possible. They can be dangerous if allowed to climb them. This could lead to accidents such as falling out of the crib or the bed. If your child is swaddled from birth or is sleeping in a sleeping bag for infants, you might want to keep the blanket until they are ready to transition to a duvet.
Many parents utilize milestone blankets to mark the baby's development and growth typically using numbers that indicate the age of the child. This is a great way to keep your family and friends updated on your child's progress, and also capture precious moments. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a beautiful double layer blanket that offers warmth and coziness, and is air-conditioned.
Easy to Assemble
While a baby cot bed is one of the most recommended cribs important furniture pieces for the nursery, it's also a substantial investment. It's crucial to choose one that is beautiful and sturdy. The most important factor to consider is that the cot must be in harmony with the overall design of the baby's room. You'll also want to consider whether the Mini Cot Bed could be converted to a toddler bed and in the event that it does, how easy this is to accomplish.
When selecting a cot, make sure you choose a model with solid frames, solid rails, and smooth surfaces. Also, avoid models with curved edges, which could be a source of strangulation. Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer and avoid making use of any tools that could cause harm. Don't be afraid to seek help. It's usually easier to get things done when it's done by two people, so you can ask your partner or a family member to assist you.
Many cribs come with matching nursery furniture which can help pull the design of your room together. However, if you don't have the money for this, there are plenty of good-quality alternatives that can be used as a stand-alone. The Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range, for example, comes in a contemporary white finish and is constructed from solid FSC pine for a durable choice. It comes with three mattress settings, which means it is suitable for use from the age of. It can also be lowered once your child is ready for standing (usually around 18 months).).
The Stokke Coxley cot is another fantastic alternative. It comes with a neutral grey finish and a handmade style that can be incorporated into any decor. It's easy to put together and can be inserted into doors that have standard doorframes. This is perfect to move around the house. It can also be converted into a stylish bench-style toddler bed with the addition of a basic kit. It's lightweight enough to fit into a bag for when you travel. Our panel of parents said it was "a dream to put together" and "looks gorgeous". Parents also appreciated the fact that the base of the mattress can be moved up and down, so you can keep the baby's head raised during nap time and prevent them from falling over in the night.