See What Baby Cot Bed Tricks The Celebs Are Using

Buying a Baby Cot Bed

Cot beds can be converted to toddler beds, making them a better long-term 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 begins to attempt to climb out. Then, you can switch to a junior bed.

4 Walls

Cot beds are the safety and security for your baby to sleep or rest at night. They feature high walls or rails to prevent your baby from falling and many come with adjustable mattress heights. This makes a cot bed perfect for infants and toddlers alike. There are a variety of cot bed models that range from the simple and affordable to models with numerous additional features. The final decision depends on your family's needs and budget.

Any new parent will find it important to make the right choice in deciding on a baby's sleep arrangement. You want to ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable, as well as having the space to be used for a long time. While top rated cots can be a great crib option for infants and are small cot beds but they can also be difficult to accommodate in smaller spaces. In addition, they're typically only suitable for use until your child reaches the age of 18 months or at the earliest. A crib-bed is a more sturdy alternative and can be easily converted into a toddler bed or a smaller 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 with a large hood, which protects your baby from the sun and wind. It has a storage area at the end, where you can put away bedding and other essentials.

CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot is another good option. It's an ordinary cot, but can be converted into an infant bed or one bed, thanks to an extension kit, which is available separately. It has three mattress heights, so you can alter it to fit your child's age.

The final option is a travel bed. These are typically intended for short-term use, and may not offer the same degree of support as a regular cot. In addition, they typically come with mattresses that aren't as firm or as thick as the standard one. Although they can be a good alternative to a standard bed for travel but it is important to consider that your child will only use them for a few years before he or she is ready for a bigger bed.

Protect your mattress from water with a waterproof mattress

Many parents spend lots of time and effort selecting a cheap cot bed, but pay little attention to the mattress that your baby will sleep on. This is an essential purchase for your baby. We recommend buying organic cotton bedding for your baby.

Recent research has revealed that restricted airflow could be the cause of SIDS and SUDI, you'll want to make sure your baby's bed is free of toys, pillows blankets, muslin sheets or cot bumpers which can hinder the flow of air around your baby. It is recommended to position the cot or cot bed away from heaters, radiators, windows, plug sockets and cables that could create risk.

The Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed is a very popular choice for our mum testers. It comes in four different colors and has an attractive design that appears like it's built to last for a long time. It can also be transformed into a toddler's bed to allow your baby to use the crib until they are four years old.

Another cot that has great design and value is the SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed (PS695 Mother & Baby). Our mum testers were amazed by its sleek design, stating that it was "simple but elegant and will stand the test of time". It's designed to grow with your child. It has two different height settings so that you can put your baby in a higher position and lower it when they are able to sit up on their own.

When you are choosing a cot it is worth bearing in your 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 won't escape from the crib or be trapped between the slats of the mattress. Also, you should use a mattress protector that is 100 100% cotton and GOTS Certified Organic, to ensure it's breathable and soft but completely waterproof and to avoid any unwanted leaks!

Alternatively, if you prefer something more modern, the SNOO Baby Cot Smart Sleeper (PS355, Cuckooland) is a great choice. It is a clever kit that includes a mobile application as well as a weaning feature and sleep experts. It is expensive and is out of reach for many parents.

Blankets at The End

If you're planning to let your baby sleep in a crib or cot with a blanket, be sure you have enough blankets so you can wash them frequently. This will keep the sheets clean and fresh and prevent them from becoming dirty and uncomfortable for your baby. Three to four sets of sheets should be sufficient.

A high-quality set of organic muslin blankets can allow you to wash the sheets regularly without worrying about them becoming too dirty. They are also breathable which can help keep your baby's skin healthy and happy. 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 but also breathable. You shouldn't choose a blanket that is too heavy and bulky as it could cause a suffocation risk for your baby. A blanket made from organic cotton muslin is a great choice because it is lightweight and airy. A thermal blanket is another good option. These are perfect for those warm summer days, when your baby needs a lightweight cover that will keep them warm.

In general, it is recommended that you stop using a blanket in your child’s crib by the age of 18 months or earlier, if you can. This is because they can be risky if children climb them. This could result in accidents such as falling from the crib or in bed. However, if your child is used to sleeping with blankets and is 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 transition to a duvet.

Many parents utilize the milestone blanket to track the development and growth of their child, typically with numbers that reflect the age of the child. This is a wonderful way to keep your family and friends updated about the progress of your child and capture precious memories. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a beautiful double layer blanket that offers warmth and comfort while still being breathable.

Easy to Assemble

While a baby cot bed is one of the most important pieces of nursery furniture, it's also a substantial investment. Therefore, it's worthwhile to take the time to choose the one that looks attractive as it is durable and practical. The most important consideration is that the cot should be in keeping with the overall style of the baby's room. You should also consider whether the cot could be converted into a toddler bed, and If so, how simple it is to accomplish.

When you are choosing a cot you should choose a cot with robust frames, sturdy rails and smooth surfaces. Avoid cots with curved corners as they can pose strangulation risks. Be sure to follow the directions of the manufacturer and avoid making use of any tools that could cause damage. Don't be shy to ask for assistance. Assembly is generally easier when you have two people, so ask your partner or family member to assist you.

Many cribs come with matching furniture for the nursery, which can help to connect your room. However, if you don't have the budget for this, there are numerous high-quality alternatives that can be used as a stand-alone. The Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range is a good example. It comes with a modern white finish and is made from solid FSC pine to provide a long-lasting option. It also comes with three mattress height positions, so it's suitable for use from birth. It can also be lowered when your child is ready to begin standing (usually at about 18 months).).

Another option is the Scandi-style Coxley cot by Stokke, which has a stunning hand-crafted feel and a neutral grey color that is perfect for any decor. It's easy to assemble and fits through doors with standard frames, which is useful when you need to shift it around your home. It can also transform into a stylish toddler bed using the addition of a basic kit. And it's lightweight enough to be transported in its own carry bag for trips away. Parents who were part of our panel said that it was "easy to put together" and "looks gorgeous". They also appreciated the fact that you can move the base position of the mattress up or down so that you can keep your baby's head in a higher position throughout the day and keep them from rolling off at the end of the night.