See What Baby Cot Bed Tricks The Celebs Are Using
From Shiapedia
Buying a Baby Cot Bed
Cot beds are a better long-term choice than cribs as they can be transformed into an adult bed. They have removable sides and an end panel can be removed to provide access to your child.
Most cots are suitable for use from birth to 2 years old or until your child starts to climb out. Then you should move to a junior bed.
4 Walls
Cot beds are a safe, secure place for your baby to nap or rest at night. They feature high walls or rails to prevent 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 myriad of types of cot beds available in a range of styles, from basic and budget-friendly models to ones that are packed with extra features. Ultimately, the decision is based on your family's needs and budget.
Any new parent will find it important to make the right choice when choosing a baby's sleeping arrangement. You want to ensure that your child is safe and comfortable and have an area that can be used for a prolonged period of time. While cots are great for infants and are small but they can also be difficult to squeeze into smaller spaces. They're typically only suitable for use up to 18 months. A cot bed is the best option for long-term use and can easily be converted into a toddler or small single bed.
If you're looking for a good-value, versatile cot, we recommend the Snuz Cot Bed. This is a basic but sturdy cot that comes with a hood that is extra-deep that shields your baby from the sun and wind. It also has a storage space at the end, where you can put away bedding and other necessities.
CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot is an alternative. It's an ordinary cot, but can be transformed into an infant bed or a single bed, because of an extension kit that is available separately. It includes three different mattress heights so that you can alter it to fit your child's age.
The final option is a travel bed. They're only suitable for short-term usage and might not offer the same level support as a regular bed. They typically have mattresses that aren't as strong or thick as standard ones. They can be a good alternative to a standard cot while you're travelling however, it's important to remember that they'll only last for just a few years before your child is ready for a bigger bed.
Protect your mattress from water with a waterproof mattress
A lot of thought is put into buying a cot, however less thought is given to the mattress that your baby will sleep on. This is a very important purchase for your baby. We recommend purchasing organic cotton bedding for your baby.
You will want to ensure that your baby's cot bed is free of toys, pillows or blankets. They can block the air flow around your child. Also, ensure that the bed or cot is clear of radiators, heaters, windows, cables, and plug sockets.
The Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed is a very popular choice for our mum testers. It is available in four colors, and the design looks like it's going to last for many years. It can also be converted into a toddler's crib, so that your child can use the crib up to four years old.
Another cot that has great style and value is the SnuzFino Classic cheap cot bed Bed (PS695, Mother&Baby). Our mom testers were awed by its sleek design, stating that it was "simple but stylish and will stand the long-term". It's designed to grow with your child and has two different height settings so that you can raise your newborn and lower it once they're able to sit up on their own.
When selecting a cot it is important to keep in 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 can't escape from the crib or be trapped between the slats on the mattress. Also, you should use mattress protectors that are 100% cotton and GOTS certified Organic, so that it is soft and breathable but also completely waterproof to prevent any leaks!
Alternatively, you could go for a more technological option and choose the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot (PS355, Cuckooland). It's an innovative piece of equipment that comes with a mobile app, weaning feature, access to sleep consultants and more. However, it's expensive and may be out of the budget for many parents.
Blankets at the End of the Road
If you're thinking of letting your baby sleep with blankets in their cot or crib ensure that you have plenty of blankets to rotate through the wash. This will keep the sheets clean and fresh and prevent them from becoming dirty and uncomfortable for your baby. A minimum of three to four sets should suffice.
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 pick from a variety of sizes and colors to find the right one for your baby.
The best infant cribs baby blankets are soft and cosy and airy. You shouldn't choose a blanket that is too heavy and bulky, as it could cause a suffocation risk for your baby. It is best to pick a blanket made of organic cotton muslin that is breathable and lightweight. A thermal blanket is a great alternative. These are great for those balmy summer days when your baby requires a light cover to keep them warm.
Generally speaking it is recommended that you do away with blankets in the crib of your child at the age of 18 months or earlier if it is possible. This is because they can be risky if children climb them. This could result in accidents such as falling from the crib or the bed. However, if your baby is used to sleeping on blankets and is covered from birth or sleeps in a baby sleeping bag then you might want to leave it in place until they are ready to move to a duvet.
Many parents use milestone blankets to record their child's development and growth. These blankets are usually marked in accordance with the child's age. This is a great method to keep your family and friends up-to-date on your child's progress, as well as capture precious moments. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a gorgeous double layer blanket that provides warmth and coziness, and is breathable.
Easy to Assemble
While a baby cot bed is one of the most essential furniture pieces for nursery however, it's also an expensive investment. It is essential to select one that is elegant and robust. The most important thing to consider is that the cot must be in harmony with the overall design of the baby's room. It is also important to think about whether the cot could be converted to a toddler bed and, in the event that it does, how easy it will be to do.
When choosing a cot beds for sale, ensure that it has robust frames, solid rails, and smooth surfaces. Also, avoid models with curved edges which may pose a risk of strangulation. Be sure to read the directions of the manufacturer and avoid using any tools that may cause damage. Don't be afraid to ask for help. It's usually easier to get things done when you have two people, so make sure to ask your spouse or a family member to assist you.
Many cots have matching furniture for the nursery which can help connect your room. 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 example, comes in a modern white finish and is constructed out of solid FSC pine, which is a sturdy choice. It comes with three mattress options, meaning it is suitable for use from birth. It can also be removed when your child is ready to start standing (usually around 18 months).).
Another great option is the Scandi-style Coxley cot from Stokke It is a gorgeous hand-crafted look and a neutral grey finish that will suit any decor. It's simple to put together and fits through door frames that are standard, which is useful in the event that you need to move it around your home. With the addition of a simple kit, it can be converted into a stylish toddler bed in a bench-style. It's light enough to put in a bag to carry when you travel. Our panel of parents said it was "a dream to put together" and "looks gorgeous". They also appreciated the fact that you can change the position of the base of the mattress up or down to keep your baby's head up during nap time and stop them from rolling away at night.
