Buying a Baby Cot Bed

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds, which makes them a better long-term option than cribs. They come with removable sides, and an end panel can be dropped to allow access to your child.

The majority of cots are suitable for use from birth until around 2 years, or until your baby begins to climb out. Then, you should switch to junior beds.

4 Walls

Cot beds offer a safe, secure place for your baby to sleep or sleep at night. They are equipped with high walls or rails that prevent your baby from falling, and many have adjustable mattress heights. A cot bed is ideal for both infants and toddlers. There are many cot bed models, which range from the basic and affordable to models with numerous additional features. The final decision depends on your family's requirements and budget.

Every new parent will find it important to make the right choice when it comes to choosing a baby's sleeping arrangement. You need to ensure that your baby is secure and secure. It should also be a space you can stay in for a long time. While cots are ideal for infants however, they're also very compact and may be difficult to fit into smaller spaces. In addition, they're generally not suitable until your child is 18 months old or at the earliest. A cot bed is the best option for longer-term use and can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or a small single bed.

If you're looking for a good-value cot that is versatile, we recommend the Snuz Cot Bed. This is a basic but sturdy cot with a large hood which shields your child from the elements of wind and sun. It also features a handy storage area at the top rated cots of the cot, so that you can keep bedding and other essentials close by.

Another option is the CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot. This cot starts out as a traditional cot and can be transformed into an infant bed or one bed, due to an extension kit, which is sold separately. It comes with three different mattress heights so you can alter it according to your child's age.

The final option is a travel cot. They're only suitable for short-term use and don't provide the same level of support as a standard bed. They typically come with mattresses which aren't as strong or as thick as the traditional ones. Although they can be a good alternative to a traditional bed for travel however, it is important to consider that your child will only be using them for a couple of years before they is ready for a bigger bed.

Waterproof Mattress Protector

Often a lot of thought goes into purchasing a cot, but less thought is given to the mattress your baby will sleep on. This is a very important purchase for your baby. We suggest investing in an organic cotton crib sets.

It is important to ensure that the cot sales bed is not cluttered with blankets, pillows or toys. They can block the airflow around your child. Also, keep the cot or bed free of any radiators, heaters, windows cable sockets, and plugs.

If you are looking for a chic cot that is stylish, the Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed (PS375, Cuckooland) is a popular choice among our mum testers. It comes in four different colors and has a lovely design that looks like it's going to last for a long time. It can also be transformed into a toddler's bed so that your child can use the crib until four years old.

Another cot with excellent style and value is the SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed (PS695, Mother & Baby). Our mum testers were amazed by its sleek design, and said it was "simple but elegant and will last the long-term". It's designed to grow with your child, too. It offers two different heights for the mattress so you can keep your cheap baby cots raised and then lower it when they start 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 ends and sides of the cot. This will ensure that your baby won't get out of the crib or be trapped between the slats on the mattress. Use a mattress cover that is made of 100% organic cotton and GOTS certified to ensure that it is soft, breathable and waterproof.

You can also opt for a more high-tech alternative and select the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot (PS355, Cuckooland). It's a smart piece of equipment that includes an app that is mobile, a weaning features, access to sleep consultants and more. It's expensive and is out of reach for many parents.

Blankets at the End of The Road

If you are planning to allow your baby to sleep in a cot or crib with a blanket, be sure you have enough blankets to wash them frequently. This will keep the sheets fresh and clean and prevent them from becoming dirty and uncomfortable for your baby. Three to four sets of sheets should be sufficient.

You can change your sheets more frequently with organic muslin bedding. They are also breathable which helps keep your baby's delicate skin healthy. You can pick from a wide range of sizes and shades to find the best one for your baby.

The best blankets are soft, warm and airy. A blanket that is bulky and heavy could cause your baby to choke. It is recommended to select a blanket made from organic cotton muslin, which is breathable and lightweight. Another alternative is a blanket that is thermal. These are perfect for those warm summer days, when your baby requires a light cover to keep them warm.

In general, it's recommended to stop using a blanket in your child’s cot by 18 months, or earlier if it is possible. This is because they can become dangerous if allowed to climb on them, leading to accidents like falling out of the crib or bed. If your child is used to sleeping on a blanket and has been swaddled from birth or sleeping in a baby sleep bag, you may want to leave the blanket in place until they are ready to transition to a duvet.

Many parents use milestone blankets to mark the baby's development and growth usually with numbers that represent the age of the child. It is a great way to keep your family and friends informed about your baby's development and also capture precious memories. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a gorgeous double layer blanket that provides warmth and coziness, yet is still air-conditioned.

Easy to Assemble

While a Baby Cot Bed (click over here) is one of the most essential pieces of nursery furniture but it's also a significant investment. It's crucial to choose one that is beautiful and robust. The most important factor to consider is that the cot must be in keeping with the overall style of the baby's room. It is also important to consider whether the cot could be transformed into a bed for toddlers, and if so be done, how easy to do.

When selecting a cot, ensure that it has solid frames, solid rails, and smooth finishes. It's also best to avoid models with curved edges which could be a source of strangulation. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions carefully, and don't 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 make sure to ask your spouse or a family member to assist you.

Many cribs come with matching nursery furniture which can help pull the look of your room together. However, if you don't have the money for this you can find plenty of good-quality standalone options to choose from. The Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range, for example, comes in a modern white finish and is made of solid FSC pine to provide a long-lasting option. It comes with three mattress settings, which means it can be used right from birth. It can also be lowered once your child is ready to start standing (usually around 18 months).).

Another option is the Scandi-style Coxley cot by Stokke It has a beautiful hand-crafted feel and a neutral grey finish that suits any interior. It's easy to put together, and it fits through doors with standard frames. This is perfect for moving around the house. It can also transform into a chic toddler bed using the addition of a basic kit. It's light enough to put in a carry bag when you go on vacation. Parents who took part in our panel agreed that it was "easy to put together" and "looks beautiful". They also loved the ability to move the base position of the mattress upwards or downwards to keep your baby's head up during nap time and stop them from rolling off at the end of the night.