Buying a Baby Cot Bed

Cot beds are a better long-term choice than cribs as they can be converted into a toddler bed. They also have removable sides as well as an end panel that can be lowered down to provide access to your child.

The majority of cots are suitable for use from birth to around 2 years, or until your baby starts trying to climb out. Then, you can switch to a junior bed.

4 Walls

Cot beds provide secure and safe for your baby to sleep in at night or during nap time. They have high walls or rails that stop your child from falling, and many come with adjustable mattress heights. This makes a cot bed suitable for toddlers and infants alike. There are a variety of cot bed models, which range from simple and inexpensive to those that come with a variety of features. The choice ultimately depends on the family's budget and needs.

Anyone who is a new parent will discover it important to make the right choice when it comes to choosing a baby's sleeping arrangement. You must make sure that your child is safe and comfortable and have the space to be used for a long time. While cots can be great for newborns and are compact however, they can be difficult to accommodate in smaller spaces. They're also only usually suitable for use up to 18 months. A cot bed is a better option for longer-term use and is easily transformed into a toddler bed or a small single bed.

If you're looking for a value cot that is versatile, we recommend the Snuz Cot Bed. This is a simple but sturdy cot that comes with a large hood which shields your child from the elements of wind and sun. It also has a convenient storage space at the bottom of the cot, so that you can keep bedding and other items close at hand.

CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot is another good option. This cot starts out as an ordinary mini cot beds, but can be transformed into a toddler bed or even as a single bed because of an extension kit that's sold separately. It has three different mattress heights, so you can keep the mattress up for newborns and small infants, and then lower it as your child gets older.

The last option is a travel bed. They are designed for short-term usage and might not offer the same level of support as a standard bed. Additionally, they usually have mattresses that aren't as sturdy or as thick as a standard one. They can be a good alternative to a standard cot if you travel however, it's important to remember that they'll only last a few years at most before your child is ready to move on to larger beds.

Protect your mattress from water with a waterproof mattress

Many people spend much time and effort choosing a cot, but pay little attention to the mattress that your baby will be sleeping on. This is an essential purchase for your baby. We recommend buying an organic cotton baby bed.

You should make sure that your baby's cot bed is not cluttered with toys, pillows or blankets. They could block the air flow around your child. Ideally, you should place the cot bed away from radiators, heaters, 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 comes in four colours and the design appears like it'll last many years. It can also be transformed into a toddler's bed so that your baby can use the crib until four years old.

Another cot with excellent design and value is the SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed (PS695 Mother and Baby). Our mum testers were amazed by its sleek design, saying it was "simple but stylish and will last the long-term". It's designed to expand with your child and offers two height settings for the mattress so you can keep your newborn raised and then lower it when they are able to sit without assistance.

When selecting a cot it is important to keep in the mind that there should be no more than 25mm (1 inch) gap between the mattress and the cot's sides and ends. This will ensure that your baby is not able to climb out of the cot or get trapped between the mattress and slats. It is also recommended to utilize a mattress protector that is 100% cotton and GOTS certified Organic, to ensure it is breathable and soft but completely waterproof and to prevent any leaks!

If you prefer, you can opt for a more high-tech alternative and select the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot (PS355, Cuckooland). It is a clever device that comes with an app for mobile devices, a weaning feature, and access to sleep consultants. It's costly and is out of reach for many parents.

Blankets at the End of The Road

If you're planning on letting your baby sleep on blankets in their crib or cot be sure to have plenty of additional blankets to rotate through the wash. This will stop the sheets from becoming too soiled and uncomfortable for your child, as well as help to keep their bedding clean and fresh. A minimum of three to four sets is sufficient.

You can change your sheets more often with a set of organic muslin bedding. They also breathe which can help keep your baby's skin healthy and happy. You can choose from a variety of sizes and shades to find the best one for your baby.

The best crib newborn blankets are soft warm and breathable. You shouldn't choose a blanket that is too heavy and bulky as it could create a suffocation risk for your baby. It is best to pick a blanket made of organic cotton muslin, which is lightweight and breathable. A thermal blanket is a good option. These are great for balmy summer days when your baby will need a light cover to keep them warm.

In general, it is advised to remove blankets in your child's crib by the age of 18 months or earlier, if you can. They can become dangerous if they are allowed to climb onto them, leading to accidents like falling out of bed or the crib. If your child has been swaddled since birth or is sleeping in a sleeping bag for infants, you might want to keep the blanket until they are ready to switch to a duvet.

Many parents use milestone blankets to record their child's growth and progress. They are typically marked in accordance with the age of the baby. This is a wonderful method to keep your family and friends up-to-date about the progress of your child and capture precious memories. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a beautiful double layer blanket that gives warmth and comfort, yet is still air-conditioned.

Easy to Assemble

While a baby cot bed is one of the most important furniture pieces for nursery, it's also a substantial investment. It's worth the effort to choose a model that looks as appealing as it is strong and practical. The most important consideration is that the cot needs to be in harmony with the overall design of the room your baby is in. It is also important to consider whether the cot could be transformed into a bed for toddlers, and if it can be done, how simple it is to accomplish.

When choosing a cot, look for models that have strong frames, solid rails, and smooth finishes. Avoid cots that have curved corners, as they can pose a strangulation risk. Be sure to read the directions of the manufacturer and avoid making use of any tools that could cause damage. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Ask your friend or family member to help you.

Many cot beds come with matching furniture for your nursery, which can really pull the style of your room together. If you don't wish to spend a lot of money, there are many high-quality standalone options. The Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range is a good example. It comes with a modern white finish and is constructed of solid FSC pine for a durable option. It also comes with three mattress height positions so it's suitable for use starting from birth and can be lowered when your child is ready to begin standing (usually at about 18 months).).

The Stokke Coxley cot is a fantastic option. It has an unassuming grey finish and a handcrafted style that can be incorporated into any interior. It's simple to put together and can be inserted into doors with standard frames and is ideal when you have to move it around your home. With the addition of an easy kit, it can be converted into a chic toddler bed in a bench-style. It's light enough to fit into a bag for when you go on vacation. Our panel of parents said it was "a dream to put together" and "looks beautiful". Parents also appreciated the fact that the base of the mattress can be moved up or down, which means you can keep your baby's head elevated during nap time and prevent them from falling over in the night.