See What Baby Cot Bed Tricks The Celebs Are Using
Buying a Baby Cot Bed
Cot beds can be converted to toddler beds, which makes them a more durable option than cribs. They also have removable sides and an end panel that can be lowered down to provide access to your child.
Most cribs are suitable for use from birth to 2 years old or until your baby begins to climb out. Then you should move to a junior bed.
4 Walls
Cot beds provide 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 falling, and many come with adjustable mattress heights. This makes a mini cot beds bed suitable for toddlers and infants alike. There are a myriad of types of cot beds that are available in a range of styles, from basic and budget-friendly models to those packed with extra features. The choice ultimately is based on the family's budget as well as their needs.
Every new parent will find it crucial to make the right decision when choosing a baby's sleeping arrangement. You must ensure that your child is safe and comfortable and also have an area that can be used for a long period of time. While cots are ideal for infants but they're also quite small and can be difficult to fit into smaller spaces. They're also only usually suitable for use up to 18 months. A cot-bed is a much more durable option and can easily be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed.
Snuz Cot Bed is a flexible, affordable cot. This is a basic but sturdy cot that comes with a hood that is extra-deep, which protects your baby from the sun and wind. It also has a storage space towards the end, so you can put away bedding and other essentials.
CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot is another option. This cot starts out as an ordinary cot, but can be turned into an infant bed or one bed, because of an extension kit, which is sold separately. It has three different mattress heights so that you can keep the mattress high up for newborns and small infants, and then lower it down as your child grows older.
The last option is a travel bed. These are usually only suitable for short-term use and may not offer the same degree of support as the standard cot. They typically have mattresses that aren't as sturdy or thick as standard ones. They can be a great alternative to a standard cot when you travel but you should remember that they'll last only just a few years before your child is ready to move on to larger beds.
Protect your mattress from water with a waterproof mattress
A lot of thought is put into buying a cot, however less consideration is given to the mattress your baby will sleep on. It is among the most important purchases you will make for your baby, and we suggest investing in a good quality organic cotton baby mattress.
As new research shows restricted airflow may be the cause of SIDS and SUDI, you'll be looking to ensure that your baby's bedroom is free of toys, pillows, blankets, muslin cloths or cot bumpers which can restrict the circulation of air around your child. Also, keep the bed or cot away from any radiators, heaters, windows cable sockets, and plugs.
If you're looking for a chic cot that is stylish, the Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed (PS375, Cuckooland) is a popular choice among our mom testers. It is available in four colours and has beautiful design that looks like it's built to last for a long time. It is also able to be converted into a toddler's bed, so that your baby 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 impressed by its sleek design, and said it was "simple but elegant and will stand the long-term". It's designed to grow along with your child and has two different height settings so you can increase the height of your baby and lower it when they are in a position to sit on their own.
When choosing a cot, it is important to keep in the mind that there should not be more than 25mm (1 inch) space between the mattress and the cot's sides and ends. This will ensure that your baby can't climb out of the crib or get trapped between the slats of the mattress. Also, you should use a mattress protector that is 100% cotton and GOTS certified Organic, to ensure it's breathable and soft but completely waterproof and to avoid any unwanted leaks!
Alternatively, you could opt for a more high-tech option and opt for the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot (PS355, Cuckooland). It's a smart piece of kit which has an app for mobile devices, a weaning features, access to sleep consultants and much more. It's expensive and out of reach for many parents.
Blankets at The End
If you're planning on letting your baby sleep on a blanket in their crib or cot ensure that you have plenty of blankets to rotate through the wash. This will prevent the sheets from becoming overly dirty and uncomfortable for your little one, as well as help to keep their bed clean and fresh. Three to four sheets is enough.
You can change your bedding more often by using an organic muslin bedding. They are also breathable and help keep your baby's skin healthy and happy. You can choose from a wide range of sizes and colors to find the perfect one for your baby.
The best baby blankets are soft and cosy but also ventilated. You don't want blankets that are heavy and bulky, as it could cause an obstructive risk to your baby. It is recommended to select a blanket made of organic cotton muslin that is breathable and lightweight. Another good option is a thermal blanket. They are an excellent choice for balmy summer days when your baby will need a light cover to keep them warm.
In general, it is recommended to stop using blankets in your child's cot by 18 months, or earlier, if you can. It is because they become dangerous if allowed to climb over them. This could result in accidents such as falling out of the crib or the bed. However, if your child is used to sleeping on blankets and has been swaddled from birth or sleeping in a sleeping bag for babies it is best to keep the blanket in place until they are ready to move to a duvet.
Many parents use a milestone blanket to mark their Baby Crib's growth and development usually with numbers that represent the age of the child. It is a great way to keep family and friends informed of your Baby beds's progress as well as capture some precious moments. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a beautiful double layer blanket that offers warmth and comfort yet is still air-conditioned.
Easy to Assemble
While a baby cot bed is among the most essential pieces of nursery furniture, it's also a substantial investment. Therefore, it's worth taking time to select a model that looks as attractive as it is durable and practical. The most important factor to consider is that the cot needs to be in keeping with the overall style of the room your baby is in. You should also consider whether the cot will convert into a toddler bed, and if so, how easy it is to accomplish.
When selecting a cot, look for models that have solid frames, sturdy rails and smooth surfaces. It's also best to avoid models with curved edges which may pose a risk of strangulation. Also, be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully, and don't use any tool that can cause harm. Finally, don't be afraid to seek assistance. Ask your family or friend member to assist you.
Many co-occurring beds are paired with nursery furniture which can help pull the look of your room together. If you don't wish to spend a lot of cost, there are a number of good quality standalone options. The Elementary cot-bed from John Lewis Anyday comes in white with solid FSC pine, which makes it a durable option. It also comes with three mattress height positions, so it's suitable from the time of birth and can be adjusted when your child is ready to start standing (usually at around 18 months).
Another great option is the Scandi-style Coxley cot from Stokke It has a stunning hand-crafted feel and a neutral grey finish that suits any room. It's easy to set up and fits into door frames that are standard and is ideal when you need to shift it around your home. With the addition of a simple kit, it can be converted into a stylish toddler bed in the bench style. It's light enough to fit in a bag to carry when you go on vacation. Our panel of parents said it was "a dream to put together" and "looks beautiful". They also loved the fact that you are able to change the position of the base of the mattress up or down to keep your baby's head elevated during naps and prevent them from rolling off at night.