Buying a Baby Cot Bed

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds, which makes them a more durable 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 can be used from birth until approximately 2 years old, or until your child is old enough to want to climb out. Then, you can switch to junior beds.

4 Walls

Cot beds provide a safe, secure place for your baby to sleep or rest during the night. They have high walls or rails to stop your child from falling out, and many have adjustable mattress heights that can be lowered as your child grows. This makes a cot bed ideal for infants and toddlers alike. There are a variety of cot bed models, ranging from the simple and affordable to models with numerous additional features. The choice ultimately is based on the family's budget as well as their needs.

Choosing the right baby sleeping arrangement is an important choice for any new parent. You must ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable and also have a space that can be used for a long period of time. While best cots for newborns can be great for infants and are small but they can also be difficult to accommodate in smaller spaces. In addition, they're typically only suitable for use up to the point that your child reaches the age of 18 months or so. A cot bed is a better choice for longer-term use and can easily be converted into a toddler or small single bed.

If you're looking for a value, versatile cot, we recommend the Snuz Cot Bed. It's a sturdy, simple cot with a hood that extends to protect your baby from the elements of wind and sun. It also has a handy storage space at the bottom of the cot, so you can keep bedding and other essentials close by.

CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot is another option. This cot starts out as a traditional cot and can be transformed into a toddler bed or even a single bed, because of an extension kit, which is available separately. It has three different mattress heights so that you can keep the mattress high up for newborns and young babies, and then lower it as your child grows older.

The last option is a travel cot. They are typically only suitable for short-term use and may not provide the same level of support as the standard cot. They typically come with mattresses which aren't as sturdy or thick as traditional ones. While they can be a great alternative to a standard bed while traveling, it is important to consider that your child will only use them for a few years before he or she is ready to move on to a bigger bed.

Protect your mattress from water with a waterproof mattress

Often a lot of thought is put into purchasing a cot, but less consideration is given to the mattress that your baby will sleep on. This is one of the most important purchases you will make for your baby, and we recommend purchasing a good quality organic cotton baby mattress.

New research suggests that restricted airflow could be a reason for SIDS and SUDI, you will be looking to ensure that your baby's bed is free from toys, pillows blankets, muslin cloths, blankets or cot bumpers which can restrict the flow of air around your baby. It is also important to keep the cot or bed away from any radiators, heaters, windows cable sockets, and plugs.

The Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed is a very popular choice for our mum testers. It comes in four colors and the design appears like it's going to last for a long time. It can also be converted into a toddler's crib, to allow your baby to use the crib up to four years old.

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

When you are choosing a cot it is important to keep in your mind that there should be no more than 25mm (1 inch) gap between the mattress and the sides and ends. This will ensure that your baby won't climb out of the crib or be trapped between the mattress slats. Also, you should make sure to use mattress protectors that are 100% cotton and GOTS certified Organic, to ensure it is breathable and soft but completely waterproof and to avoid any unwanted leaks!

If you'd rather a high-tech option, then the SNOO Baby Cot Smart Sleeper (PS355, Cuckooland) is an excellent choice. It's a clever piece of equipment that includes an app for mobile devices, a weaning features, access to sleep consultants and more. However, it's expensive and might be out of the budget for many parents.

Blankets at the End of The Road

If you plan to let your baby sleep in a cot or crib with a blanket, be sure to have enough extras so you can clean them regularly. This will keep the sheets fresh and clean and keep them from becoming too dirty and uncomfortable for your baby. A minimum of three or four sets should suffice.

A good set of organic muslin blankets will allow you to change the sheets frequently without worrying about them getting too dirty. They also breathe, which helps keep your baby's delicate skin healthy. They are available in various sizes and colours, so you can find the perfect ones for your baby's needs.

The Best cot for newborn baby blankets are soft and comfortable, yet ventilated. You shouldn't choose blankets that are bulky and heavy as it could pose an obstructive risk to your baby. A blanket made of organic cotton muslin is a great choice because it is light and airy. Another option is a thermal blanket. These are great for balmy summer days when your baby will need a lightweight cover to keep them warm.

In general it is recommended you do away with blankets in your child's cot at 18 months of age or earlier if you can. This is because they can be dangerous if allowed to climb over them. This could lead to accidents such as falling out of the crib or bed. However, if your baby is used to sleeping on blankets and has been covered from birth or sleeps in a sleeping bag for babies, you may want to keep the blanket in place until they are ready to move to a duvet.

Many parents use a milestone blanket to mark the development and growth of their child usually with numbers that represent the age of the child. This is a wonderful way to keep your family and friends up-to-date about your baby's development and capture precious memories. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a stunning double layer blanket that provides warmth and coziness, and is air-conditioned.

Easy to Assemble

While a baby cot bed is one of the most important furniture pieces for the nursery however, it's also an expensive investment. As such, it's worth the effort to choose the one that looks good as it is sturdy and practical. The cot should be in line with the decor of the room. It is also important to think about whether the cot can be converted to a toddler bed and in the event that it does, how easy it is to accomplish.

When choosing a cot, look for models that have robust frames, sturdy rails, and smooth edges. Avoid cots to tots that have curved corners, because they could pose the 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 ask for help. Assembly is usually easier when it's done with two people, so ask your partner or family member to help you.

Many cots have matching furniture for the nursery, which can help to bring your room together. If you don't have the funds for this you can find many good-quality alternatives that can be used as a stand-alone. 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 to provide a long-lasting choice. It comes with three mattress options, meaning 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).).

Another great option is the Scandi-style Coxley cot from Stokke It has a stunning hand-crafted feel and a neutral grey color that is perfect for any interior. It's easy to set up and can be inserted into standard door frames, which is useful in the event that you need to move it around your home. With the addition of a simple kit that allows it to be transformed into a stylish toddler bed in the bench-style. It's light enough to put in a carry bag when you go on vacation. Parents who took part in our panel said that it was "easy to assemble" and "looks stunning". They also loved the fact that you can change the position of the base of the mattress upwards or downwards to keep your baby's head up throughout the day and keep them from falling asleep at night.