Buying a Baby Cot Bed

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds, making them a better long-term option than cribs. They have removable sides and an end panel can be dropped to allow access to your child.

Most cribs are suitable for use from birth to 2 years, or until your baby starts trying to climb out. Then, you can switch to a junior bed.

4 Walls

Cot beds provide the safety and security for your baby to sleep or sleep at night. They feature high walls or rails to keep your baby from slipping out, and most feature adjustable mattress heights that can be lowered as your child grows. A cot bed is ideal for both infants and toddlers. There are a myriad of cot bed models that range from the basic and affordable to those that come with a variety of features. The final decision depends on the family's budget and needs.

Choosing the right baby sleeping arrangement is a major decision for any new parent. You must ensure that your baby is secure and secure. It should also be a space that you can use for a long time. While cribs are great for babies, they're also quite compact and may be difficult to fit into smaller spaces. Additionally, they're not suitable until your child reaches the age of 18 months or at the earliest. A cot bed is a better option for a longer-term usage and is easily converted into a toddler or small single bed.

Snuz Cot Bed is a multi-functional, high-value cot. This is a simple but sturdy cot with an extra deep hood that shields your baby from the sun and wind. It has a storage area at the end, so you can store bedding and other necessities.

CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot is another option. 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 high up for newborns and young babies, before lowering it down as your child gets older.

The last option is a travel cot. They are only suitable for short-term usage and don't provide the same level of support as a standard bed. They often have mattresses that are not as firm or thick as standard ones. They can be a good alternative to a standard cot while you're travelling, but it's worth remembering that they'll only last a few years at most before your child is ready to move on to larger beds.

Waterproof Mattress Protector

Many parents spend a lot of time and effort selecting a cot, but pay little focus on the mattress your baby will sleep on. This is a crucial purchase for your baby. We suggest investing in an organic cotton crib.

As new research shows restricted airflow may be a cause of SIDS and SUDI, you will need to ensure your baby's bed is free from pillows, toys blankets, muslin cloths, blankets or cot bumpers that can hinder the flow of air around your baby. Ideally, you should place the cot bed away from radiators, heaters, windows as well as plug sockets and cables that could pose a hazard.

If you are looking for a chic cot that is stylish, the Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed (PS375, Cuckooland) is an extremely popular choice among our mom testers. It is available in four colors and the design appears like it'll last an extended period of time. It is also able to be converted into a toddler's bed so that your child can use the crib up to four years old.

The SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed is another cot that has great style and value (PS695 Mother&Baby). Our mom testers were impressed by its sleek design and said it was "simple yet stylish and will endure the test of time". It's designed to grow with your child too and comes with two levels of height for the mattress, so you can keep your baby raised and then lower it once they start to sit up unaided.

It is essential to keep in mind that the mattress should not have a gap larger than 25mm (1") between it and the sides and ends of the cot. This will ensure that your baby can't get out of the crib or be trapped between the slats of the mattress. Use a mattress cover that is made of 100% organic cotton and GOTS-certified to ensure that it is soft, breathable and waterproof.

You can also opt for a more high-tech option and choose the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot (PS355, Cuckooland). It's a great product that comes with an app that can be downloaded on mobile devices, a weaning feature, and sleep experts. However, it is expensive and might be out of reach for many parents.

Blankets at the end of the Line

If you're planning to let your baby sleep on blankets in their cot or crib, make sure you have plenty of blankets to rotate through the wash. This will stop the sheets from becoming overly soiled and uncomfortable for your little one as well as helping to keep their bed clean and fresh. A minimum of three to four sets should be sufficient.

A good set of organic muslin blankets will allow you to change the sheets often without worrying about them getting too dirty. They are also breathable, which helps 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 comfortable but also breathable. You don't want blankets that are bulky and heavy as it could create a suffocation risk for your baby. A blanket made of organic cotton muslin is the best choice because it is light and comfortable to breathe. Another good alternative is a thermal blanket. They are ideal for those hot summer days when your baby needs a lightweight cover that will keep them warm.

In general, it's recommended that you stop using blankets in your child's cot by 18 months, or earlier, if possible. This is because they can become dangerous if allowed to climb onto them, which could lead to accidents, such as falling out of the crib or bed. However, if your child is used to sleeping with blankets and is wrapped from birth or is sleeping in a baby sleeping bag, you may want to leave it in place until they are ready to transition to a duvet.

Many parents use a milestone blanket to mark the baby's development and growth, typically with numbers that reflect the age of the child. It is a great way to keep your family and friends informed of your child's progress, as well as capture some precious moments. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a gorgeous double layer blanket that provides warmth and coziness, while still being comfortable and breathable.

Easy to Assemble

While a baby cot bed is one of the most essential furniture pieces for the nursery but it's also a significant investment. As such, it's worthwhile to take the time to choose one that looks as attractive as it is durable and practical. The most important factor to consider is that the cot should be in harmony with the overall design of the room your baby is in. You should also consider if the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and if it can be done, how simple it is to do.

When selecting a cot you should choose a cot with sturdy frames, sturdy rails and smooth finishes. Avoid cheap cots with curved corners because they could pose a strangulation risk. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and avoid using any tools that may cause damage. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Ask your partner or family member to assist you.

Many cots come with matching furniture for the nursery which can help bring your room together. If you don't have the budget for this, there are many good-quality standalone options available. The Elementary cot-bed from John Lewis Anyday comes in white with solid FSC pine, making it a durable choice. It comes with three mattress settings, so it is suitable for use from the time of birth. It can also be lowered once your child is able to begin standing (usually around 18 months).).

The Stokke Coxley cot is another great alternative. It has a neutral grey finish as well as a handcrafted look that is perfect for any interior. It's easy to assemble and fits through door frames that are standard which is helpful when you need to shift it around your home. With the addition of an easy kit that allows it to be transformed into a stylish toddler bed that is in the bench-style. It's also light enough to be transported in its own bag for trips away. Our panel of parents said it was "a dream to put together" and "looks beautiful". They also loved the ability to move the base of the mattress up or down to keep your baby's head in a higher position during nap time and stop them from falling asleep at night.