Buying a Baby Cot Bed
Cot beds are a better long-term option than cribs since they can be converted to a toddler bed. They have removable sides and an end panel that can be removed to provide access to your child.
The majority of cots can be used from the time of birth until about 2 years old or until your child begins to attempt to climb out. Then, it is time to switch to junior beds.
4 Walls
Cot beds offer the safety and security for your baby to rest or rest at night. They are equipped with high walls or rails to stop your baby from slipping out, and most feature adjustable mattress heights that can be reduced as your child grows. A cot bed is suitable for toddlers as well as infants. There are many cot bed models, which range from the simple and affordable to those with many additional features. The choice ultimately is based on the family's budget and needs.
Any new parent will find it important to make the right decision in deciding on a baby's sleep arrangement. You want to make sure that your child is safe and comfortable, as well as having an area that can be used for a prolonged period of time. While cots can be a great option for infants and are small but they can also be difficult to squeeze into smaller spaces. They're also only usually suitable for use up to 18 months. A cot-bed is a more durable option that can be easily converted into a toddler bed or small single bed.
Snuz Cot Bed is a multi-functional, high-value cot. It's a sturdy and simple cot with an extended hood to protect your baby from wind and sun. It also has a storage space at the end, where you can put away bedding and other necessities.
Another good choice is the CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot. It can be converted from a cot into a single or toddler bed with the help of an extension kit that is available separately. It has three different mattress heights, meaning you can keep the mattress up for newborns and small babies, before lowering it as your child gets older.
The last option is a travel bed. They are typically only suitable for temporary use and don't offer the same level of support as the regular cot. Additionally, they usually come with mattresses that aren't as firm or as thick as a standard cot. They can be a good alternative to a standard cot while you travel but you should remember that they'll last only several years before your child is ready for an even bigger bed.
Protect your mattress from water and dirt
A amount of thought is given to buying a cot, but less thought is given to the mattress that your baby will sleep on. This is one of the most important purchases you make for your baby, and we recommend investing in a good quality organic cotton baby mattress.
Recent research has revealed that restricted airflow could be a reason for SIDS and SUDI, you will be looking to ensure that your baby's bedroom is free of toys, pillows, blankets, muslin cloths or cot bumpers that could restrict the flow of air around your baby. It is recommended to place the cot bed away from heaters, radiators windows plug sockets, and cables that could create a hazard.
The Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed is a very popular choice for our mum testers. It is available in four different colors and has a lovely design that looks like it will endure the test of time. It is also able to be converted into a toddler's crib, so that your baby can use the crib up to four years old.
The SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed is another cot with great style and value (PS695, Mother and Baby). cheap cot beds were impressed by its sleek design and said it was "simple yet elegant and will endure the test of time". It's designed to expand with your child too and comes with two levels of height for the mattress so that you can keep your baby raised and then lower it once they are able to sit without assistance.
It is important to remember that the mattress shouldn't have a gap greater than 25mm (1") between it and the edges and sides of the cot. This will ensure that your baby can't escape from the crib or be trapped between the slats of the mattress. Also, you should use mattress protectors that are 100% cotton and GOTS certified Organic, to ensure it is breathable and soft but completely waterproof and to stop any leaks!
If you'd rather an option that is high-tech, then the SNOO Baby Cot Smart Sleeper (PS355, Cuckooland) is a great choice. It's a great kit that includes an app for mobile devices as well as a weaning feature as well as access to sleep specialists. But, it's costly and could be out of the budget for many parents.
Blankets at the End
If you're thinking of letting your baby sleep with a blanket in their crib or cot ensure that you have plenty of blankets to rotate through the wash. This will keep sheets from becoming excessively dirty and uncomfortable for your child and also help to keep their bed clean and fresh. Three to four sheets should be sufficient.
You can change your sheets more often by using organic muslin bedding. They are also breathable which will help keep your baby's delicate skin healthy. You can choose from a variety of sizes and colors to find the perfect one for your baby.
The best blankets for babies are soft and cosy, yet airy. cheap cot beds shouldn't choose blankets that are heavy and bulky, as it could pose a suffocation risk for your baby. A blanket made from organic cotton muslin is ideal because it is light and comfortable to breathe. A thermal blanket is a excellent option. These are perfect for those hot summer days when your baby needs an easy-to-wear cover that will keep them warm.
In general, it's advised to remove blankets in your child's cot by 18 months, or earlier, if you can. This is because they can be risky if children climb over them. This could result in accidents like falling out of the crib or the bed. If your child is swaddled from birth or is sleeping in a sleeping bag specifically designed for babies, you may wish to keep the blanket until they are ready to transition to a duvet.
Many parents utilize the milestone blanket to track the development and growth of their child, typically with numbers that indicate the age of the child. This is a wonderful way to keep your family and friends up-to-date about your baby's progress and also capture precious memories. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket has a double layer that's both warm and cozy, yet comfortable to wear.
Easy to Assemble
A baby cot bed, although one of the most essential furniture pieces for nursery is also a major investment. It's worth the effort to choose the one that looks attractive as it is durable and practical. The cot should be in line with the decor of the room. You should also consider whether the cot will convert to a toddler bed and if so, how easy this is to do.
When selecting a cot, make sure you choose a model with solid frames, sturdy rails, and smooth edges. Avoid cots that have curved corners, because they can create strangulation risks. Be sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer and avoid making use of any tools that could cause damage. Don't be shy about asking for assistance. Ask your friend or family member to help you.
Many cribs come with matching furniture for the nursery, which can really pull the look of your room together. If you don't want spend the cost, there are a number of good quality standalone options. The Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range for instance, is available in a contemporary white finish and is made from solid FSC pine, which is a sturdy choice. It comes with three mattress settings, so it is suitable for use from birth. It can also be adjusted to lower the height once your child is able to begin standing (usually around 18 months).).
The Stokke Coxley cot is another great option. It comes with a neutral grey finish and a handcrafted style that can be incorporated into any decor. It's easy to put together and fits into doors that have standard doorframes. This is perfect to move around the house. It also converts into a stylish bench-style toddler bed with the addition of a basic kit. It's light enough to put in a bag to carry when you travel. Our panel of parents agreed that it was "a dream to put together" and "looks beautiful". Parents also appreciated the fact that the mattress's base can be moved up and down, which means you can keep your baby's head up during nap time and prevent them from falling over in the night.