Buying a Baby Cot Bed

Cot beds are a better long-term choice than cribs as they can be transformed into a toddler bed. They have removable sides and an end panel can be removed to give access to your child.

The majority of cribs are suitable for use from birth to 2 years or until your child starts to climb out. Then, you can change to junior beds.

4 Walls

Cot beds provide the safety and security for your baby to nap or rest during the night. They are equipped with high walls or rails to keep your baby from falling out, and most feature adjustable mattress heights that can be reduced as your child grows. This makes a cot bed ideal for toddlers and infants alike. There are many cot bed models that range from the simple and affordable to those that come with a variety of features. In the end, it is based on your family's needs and budget.

Choosing the right baby sleeping arrangement is a major decision for any parent who is about to become a. You must ensure that your baby is secure and safe. It should also be a space that you can use for a long time. While cots are great for newborns and are compact but they can also be difficult to fit in smaller spaces. They're also only usually suitable for use from 18 months. A cot bed is a better choice for long-term use and is easily transformed into a toddler bed or small cot beds single bed.

If you're looking to buy a low-cost cot that can be used in a variety of ways we suggest the Snuz Cot Bed. It's a sturdy and simple cot that has an extended hood to shield your baby from wind and sun. It has a storage area at the end, where you can keep bedding and other necessities.

CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot is another good option. It can be converted from a cot to a single or toddler bed with the help of an extension kit that is available separately. It has three handy mattress heights so that you can keep the mattress high up for newborns and young infants, and then lower it down as your child grows older.

The final alternative is a travel cot. 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 a standard cot. They can be a great alternative to a standard cot while you're travelling, but it's worth remembering that they'll only last for just a few years before your child is ready to move on to a bigger bed.

Protect your mattress from water with a waterproof mattress

Many parents spend lots of time and effort in choosing a cot but pay less attention to the mattress that your baby will be sleeping on. This is an essential purchase for your baby. We suggest investing in an organic cotton crib.

As new research shows airflow restriction could be the cause of SIDS and SUDI, you'll need to ensure your baby's bed is free from pillows, toys blankets, muslin cloths, blankets or mini cot beds bumpers which can hinder the flow of air around your little one. Ideally, you should position the cot or cot bed away from radiators, heaters, windows, plug sockets and cables that could be danger.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin Cot Bed is a popular option among our mum testers. It comes in four colours and the design appears like it will last for a long time. It can also be transformed into a toddler's bed to allow your baby to use the crib until four years old.

Another cot with great design and value is the SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed (PS695 Mother & Baby). Our mum testers were impressed by its sleek design, stating that it was "simple but stylish and will stand the test of time". It's designed to expand with your child too and offers two levels of height for the mattress, so you can keep your newborn raised and then lower it when they begin to sit up without assistance.

It is crucial to remember that the mattress shouldn't have a gap of more than 25mm (1") between it and the sides and ends of the cot. This is to ensure that your baby cannot escape from the cot or get trapped between the mattress and the slats. You should also always use mattress protectors that are 100% cotton and GOTS certified Organic, so that it's breathable and soft but totally waterproof and to stop any leaks!

If you'd prefer something more modern, the SNOO Baby Cot Smart Sleeper (PS355, Cuckooland) is an excellent choice. It's a smart device that comes with an app for mobile devices as well as a weaning feature and sleep experts. It's costly and is out of reach for many parents.

Blankets at The End

If you're planning to let your baby sleep in a crib or cot with a blanket, make sure to have enough extras so you can wash them regularly. 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 can allow you to change the sheets frequently without worrying about them getting too dirty. They are also breathable, which helps keep your baby's delicate skin healthy. They are available in a variety of sizes and colours, so you can find the perfect one for your baby's requirements.

The most comfortable blankets are soft, warm and breathable. A blanket that is heavy and bulky can cause your baby to drown. It is recommended to select a blanket made of organic cotton muslin that is lightweight and breathable. Another good option is a thermal blanket. They are an excellent choice for balmy summer days when your baby will require a lightweight cover to keep them warm.

In general, it is recommended that you stop using a blanket in your child’s cot by 18 months, or earlier if it is possible. This is because they could be dangerous if children are allowed to climb onto them, which could lead to accidents such as falls out of the bed or the crib. If your baby has been swaddled since birth or is sleeping in a sleeping bag specifically designed for infants, you might want to keep the blanket until they are able to switch to a duvet.

Many parents utilize milestone blankets to mark the baby's development and growth typically using numbers that represent the age of the child. This is a wonderful method to keep your family and friends updated about the progress of your child and capture precious memories. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a gorgeous double layer blanket that gives warmth and coziness, while still being comfortable and breathable.

Easy to Assemble

While a baby cot bed is one of the most important furniture pieces for nursery but it's also a significant investment. It's crucial to choose one that is attractive and sturdy. The cot must match the style of the room. It is also important to consider whether the cot can be turned into a bed for toddlers, and if it can be done, how simple it is to do.

When choosing a cot make sure you choose a model with robust frames, solid rails, and smooth surfaces. Avoid cots to tots that have curved corners, because they could pose strangulation risks. Also, make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions carefully, and never use any tool that could cause damage. Don't be shy to ask for assistance. Assembly is generally easier when it's done with two people, so you can ask your partner or a family member to assist you.

Many cribs come with matching furniture for the nursery that can really bring the design of your room together. If you don't want spend a lot of amount, there are plenty of excellent options for a standalone bed that are of good quality. The Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range for instance, is available in a contemporary white finish and is made of solid FSC pine, which is a sturdy option. It also comes with three mattress height positions so it's suitable for use from birth and can be lowered when your child is ready to begin standing (usually at around 18 months).

The Stokke Coxley cot is a excellent option. It comes with an unassuming grey finish and a handmade look that is perfect for any decor. It's easy to put together, and it fits through doors that have standard doorframes. This is perfect to move around the house. With the addition of an easy kit that can transform it into a chic toddler bed in the bench style. It's light enough to fit into its own bag for trips away. Parents who participated in our panel said that it was "easy to put together" and "looks beautiful". They also appreciated the ability to move the base position of the mattress up or down so that you can keep your baby's head up during nap time and stop them from rolling away at night.