See What Baby Cot Bed Tricks The Celebs Are Using
Buying a Baby Cot Bed
Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds, making them a more durable option than cribs. They come with removable sides, and an end panel can be removed to provide access to your child.
Most affordable cots can be used from the time of birth until around 2 years old or until your child starts to attempt to climb out. Then you should move to a junior bed.
4 Walls
Cot beds are an ideal and safe space for your baby to rest in at night or even during naptime. They feature high walls or rails that stop your baby from falling, and many have adjustable mattress heights. This makes a cot bed ideal for toddlers and infants alike. There are a myriad of types of cot beds to choose from in a range of styles, from basic and budget-friendly models to ones that are packed with extra features. The decision ultimately comes down to the family's budget and requirements.
Anyone who is a new parent will discover it essential to make the right choice when it comes to choosing a baby's sleeping arrangement. You want to make sure that your baby is comfortable and secure. It should also be a space you can stay in for a long period of time. While cribs are great for babies, they're also quite compact and can be difficult to fit into smaller spaces. They're typically only suitable for use until 18 months. A cot bed is a better choice for longer-term use and can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed.
Snuz Cot Bed is a multi-functional, high-value cot. This is a simple but sturdy cot with a large hood that shields your baby from the elements of wind and sun. It also has a storage space at the end, where you can put away bedding and other necessities.
Another option is an alternative is the CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot. It's a traditional cot and can be transformed into an infant bed or a single bed, thanks to an extension kit that is available separately. It includes three different mattress heights so that 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 level of support as the regular cot. In addition, they often come with mattresses that aren't as strong or as thick as the standard one. Although they can be a good alternative to a standard mattress when you are travelling, it is important to consider that your child will only use them for a couple of years before he or she is ready for a bigger bed.
Protect your mattress from water with a waterproof mattress
Many people spend much time and effort in choosing a cot but pay less attention to the mattress your baby will sleep on. This is a very important purchase for your baby. We recommend investing in an organic cotton baby bed.
Recent research has revealed that restricted airflow may be the cause of SIDS and SUDI, you will be looking to ensure that your baby's bed is free from toys, pillows, blankets, muslin cloths or cot bumpers that can hinder the circulation of air around your baby. Also, keep the cot or bed free of any radiators, heaters, windows cable sockets, and plugs.
If you're looking for a chic cot the Mamas & Papas Franklin Cot Bed (PS375, Cuckooland) is one of the most popular choices among our mom testers. It comes in four colours and looks like it will last for many years. It is also able to be converted into a toddler's bed, to allow your baby to use the crib up to four years old.
The SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed is another cot that has great style and value (PS695 Mother and Baby). Our mum testers loved its sleek design and stated that it was "simple yet elegant and will endure the test of time". It's designed to grow with your child, too. It offers two levels of height for the mattress so you can keep your newborn raised and then lower it when they start to sit up without assistance.
When choosing a cot, it is important to keep in mind that there shouldn't be more than 25mm (1 inch) space between the mattress and the sides and ends. This will ensure that your baby can't get out of the cot or become trapped between the mattress and slats. Choose a mattress cover that is 100 organic cotton and GOTS certified to ensure that it is breathable, soft and waterproof.
If you'd rather an option that is high-tech, then the SNOO Baby Cot Smart Sleeper (PS355, Cuckooland) is a great choice. It is a clever kit that includes a mobile application as well as a weaning feature as well as access to sleep specialists. It's expensive and not accessible to many parents.
Blankets at the End
If you're planning to let your baby sleep on blankets in their cot or crib, make sure you have plenty of extras to rotate through the wash. This will keep the sheets clean and fresh and keep them from becoming dirty and uncomfortable for your baby. Three to four sheets is enough.
You can change your sheets more often by using an organic muslin bedding. They are also breathable, which will help keep your baby's delicate skin healthy. You can pick from a variety of sizes and colors to find the right one for your baby.
The best cots uk blankets for babies are soft and comfortable but also airy. You shouldn't choose blankets that are too bulky and heavy as it could create the risk of suffocation to your baby. A blanket made from organic cotton muslin is the best cot beds choice because it is light and breathable. Another good alternative is a blanket that is thermal. These are great for warm summer days when your baby will need a lightweight cover to keep them warm.
In general, it is recommended that you stop using blankets in your child's cot by 18 months, or earlier, if possible. They can be dangerous if children are allowed to climb them. This could lead to accidents such as falling out of the crib or 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 use milestone blankets to mark their baby's growth and development typically using numbers that represent the age of the child. This is a great way to keep your family and friends up-to-date on your child's progress, as well as capture precious moments. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket has a double layer that's both warm and cozy, but also breathable.
Easy to Assemble
While a baby cot bed is among the most important furniture pieces for nursery however, it's also an expensive investment. It's crucial to choose a model which is both elegant and robust. The most important consideration is that the cot needs to be in keeping with the overall style of your baby's room. You should also consider whether the cot could be converted into a toddler bed, and if so, how easy this is to do.
When choosing a cot, look for models that have solid frames, sturdy rails and smooth edges. Avoid cots with curved corners, as they can pose strangulation risks. Make sure you read the directions of the manufacturer and avoid using any tools that could cause damage. Don't be shy about asking for assistance. Assembly is generally easier when it's done by two people, so make sure to ask your partner or a family member to help you.
Many cots come with matching furniture for the nursery which can help make your room more cohesive. However, if you don't have the money for this you can find numerous high-quality standalone options to choose from. The Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range for instance, is available with a modern white finish and is constructed of solid FSC pine to provide a long-lasting choice. It also has three mattress heights, which means it's suitable for use from birth and can be lowered when your child is ready for standing (usually at about 18 months).).
Another alternative is the Scandi-style Coxley cheap cot beds from Stokke that has a stunning hand-crafted feel and a neutral grey finish that suits any room. It's easy to set up and fits through standard door frames, which is useful when you have to move it around your home. It can also transform into a chic toddler bed using the addition of a simple kit. It's light enough to be transported in its own carry bag for trips away. Parents who participated in our panel remarked that it was "easy to put together" and "looks beautiful". Parents also appreciated the fact that the base of the mattress can be moved either up or down, allowing you to keep your baby's head elevated throughout the day and stop them from falling over at night.