Buying a Baby Cot Bed

Cot beds are a more long-term choice than cribs as they can be converted to an adult bed. They also come with removable sides and an end panel that can be dropped down to allow access to your child.

The majority of cots can be used from the time of birth until approximately 2 years old, or until your child starts to want to climb out. Then, you can change to junior beds.

4 Walls

Cot beds offer a safe and secure space for your baby to sleep in at night or even during naptime. They feature high walls or rails to prevent your child from falling, and many come with adjustable mattress heights. This makes a cot bed perfect for toddlers and infants alike. There are a myriad of cot bed models, which range from the basic and affordable to those with many additional features. The decision ultimately comes down to the family's budget and needs.

The right baby sleep arrangement is a major choice for any new parent. You need to ensure that your baby is safe and secure. It must also be a place you can use for a long time. While cots to tots are great for newborns, they're also quite compact and may be difficult to fit into smaller spaces. In addition, they're generally not suitable until your child is 18 months old or so. A cot bed is a better option for a longer-term usage and can easily be converted into a toddler or baby cot bed a small single bed.

Snuz Cot Bed is a versatile, good cribs-value cot. It's a sturdy, simple cot with an extended hood to shield your baby from wind and sun. It also has a convenient storage space at the bottom of the cot, so you can keep bedding and other items close at hand.

CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot is another option. This cot starts out as a traditional cot and can be turned into a toddler bed or even one bed, due to an extension kit that's sold separately. It has three handy mattress heights, meaning you can keep the mattress up for infants and babies, and then lower it as your child grows older.

The last alternative is a travel cot. They are designed for short-term use and might not offer the same level support as a standard bed. They typically have mattresses that aren't as strong or as thick as the traditional ones. While they can be a good alternative to a standard bed for travel, it is important to remember that your child will only be using them for a few short 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 buying 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 make for your baby. we recommend investing in a high-quality organic cotton cheap baby cots mattress.

You should make sure that your baby's cot bed is not cluttered with blankets, pillows or toys. They could block the air flow around your child. Ideally, you will also place the cot bed away from radiators, heaters windows plug sockets, and cables that could create risk.

The Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed is a popular option among our mum testers. It comes in four colors and the design appears like it'll last many years. It can also be converted into a toddler's bed, so that your child can use the crib until four years old.

The SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed is another cot that is stylish and value (PS695, Mother&Baby). Our mom testers were awed by its sleek design, saying it was "simple but elegant and will last 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 baby elevated and then lower it once they start to sit up without assistance.

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 escape from the crib or get trapped between the slats of the mattress. Choose a mattress cover that is made of 100% organic cotton and GOTS-certified to ensure that it is soft, breathable and waterproof.

If you'd prefer something more modern, the SNOO Baby Cot Smart Sleeper (PS355, Cuckooland) is a great choice. It's a clever piece of kit which has an app for mobile devices, a weaning features and access to sleep experts and more. It's costly and is out of reach for many parents.

Blankets at the End of the Road

If you're planning to let your child sleep on a blanket in their crib or cot ensure that you have plenty of additional blankets to rotate through the wash. This will keep the sheets clean and fresh and will prevent them from becoming dirty and uncomfortable for your baby. A minimum of three to four sets should suffice.

A good set of organic muslin blankets will allow you to change the sheets often without worrying about them becoming too dirty. They are also breathable which helps keep your baby's delicate skin healthy. They are available in various sizes and colors which means you can find the perfect one for your baby's needs.

The best blankets are soft, cosy and breathable. You don't want a blanket that is too heavy and bulky, as it could create a suffocation risk for your baby. It is best to choose a blanket made of organic cotton muslin that is lightweight and breathable. A thermal blanket is also a good option. These are great for those balmy summer days, when your baby requires an easy-to-wear cover that will keep them warm.

In general it is recommended you do away with blankets in your child's crib when they reach the age of 18 months, or earlier if possible. This is because they could become dangerous if allowed to climb onto them, leading to accidents like falling out of the crib or bed. If your child is swaddled from birth or is sleeping in a sleeping bag designed for infants, you might want to keep the blanket until they are able to switch to a duvet.

Many parents use milestone blankets to mark their baby's growth and development typically using numbers that represent the age of the child. This is a great method to keep your family and friends up-to-date on your baby's progress as well as capture precious moments. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a stunning double layer blanket that offers warmth and coziness, while still being comfortable and breathable.

Easy to Assemble

While a baby cot bed is one of the most important furniture pieces for nursery, it's also a substantial investment. It's important to choose a model which is both beautiful and durable. The most important thing to consider is that the cot should be in keeping with the overall style of the baby's room. You should also consider if the cot can be turned into a bed for toddlers, and if it is possible be done, how easy to accomplish.

When choosing a cot, you should look for models with robust frames, sturdy rails and smooth surfaces. It's also best to avoid models with curved edges, which could pose a risk of strangulation. Also, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and avoid using any tool that can cause damage. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance. It's usually easier to get things done when it's done by two people, so make sure to ask your spouse or a family member to help you.

Many cots come with matching furniture for the nursery which can help make your room more cohesive. However, if you don't have the budget for this you can find numerous high-quality standalone options available. The Elementary cot-bed from John Lewis Anyday comes in white and is made of solid FSC pine, making it a durable choice. It also has three mattress heights, which means it's suitable for use starting from the time of birth and can be adjusted when your child is ready for standing (usually at around 18 months).

The Stokke Coxley cot is a fantastic option. It has a neutral grey finish and a handmade look that is perfect for any interior. It is simple to put together and can be inserted into doors with standard frames. This is perfect to move around the home. With the addition of an easy kit, it can be converted into a chic toddler bed in the bench-style. It's light enough to fit in a bag to carry when you travel. Our panel of parents agreed that it was "a dream to put together" and "looks beautiful". They also loved the fact that you can move the base of the mattress up or down so that you can keep your baby cot online's head up during naps and prevent them from falling asleep at night.