See What Baby Cot Bed Tricks The Celebs Are Using

Buying a Baby Cot Bed

Cot beds can be transformed to toddler beds, which makes them a more durable option than recommended cribs. They also come with removable sides and an end panel that can be dropped down to make it easier for your child.

The majority of affordable cots are suitable for use from birth to around 2 years, or until your baby begins to climb out. Then you should switch to a junior bed.

4 Walls

Cot beds offer an ideal and safe space for your baby to sleep in at night or during nap time. They feature high walls or rails to prevent your child from falling, and many come with adjustable mattress heights. A cot bed is ideal for toddlers as well as infants. There are a myriad of cot bed models, which range from simple and inexpensive to those that come with a variety of features. Ultimately, the decision depends on the needs of your family and the budget you have set.

Selecting the best cots baby sleeping arrangement is an important decision for any new parent. You need to ensure that your child will be comfortable and safe and have the space to be used for a long time. While cots offers are ideal for infants however, they're also very compact and may be difficult to fit into smaller spaces. They're typically only suitable for use until 18 months. A cot-bed is a more durable option that can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a small single bed.

Snuz Cot Bed is a versatile, good-value cot. This is a simple but sturdy cot with an extra deep hood that shields your baby from the sun and wind. It also features a handy storage area at the top of the cot, so you can keep bedding and other necessities close at hand.

Another good choice is the CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot. It can be converted from a cot to single or toddler beds by using an extension kit that is available separately. It has three handy mattress heights, meaning you can keep the mattress high up for newborns and young babies, before lowering it as your child grows older.

The final option is a travel bed. They're only suitable for use on short-term basis and may not provide the same level support as a regular bed. They often come with mattresses which aren't as strong or as thick as the standard ones. Although they can be a great alternative to a standard mattress when you are travelling however, it is important to keep in mind that your child will only be using them for a few short years before they is ready to move on to a bigger bed.

Protect your mattress from water and dirt

Many people spend a lot of time and effort choosing a cot but pay less focus on the mattress your baby will be sleeping on. This is one of the most important purchases you will make for your baby, and we recommend purchasing a high-quality organic cotton baby mattress.

Recent research has revealed that restricted airflow could be a cause of SIDS and SUDI, you'll be looking to ensure that your baby's bedroom is free of pillows, toys blankets, muslin cloths, blankets or cot bumpers that could restrict the flow of air around your little one. Ideally, you will also place the cot bed away from heaters, radiators, windows, plug sockets and cables that could pose risk.

If you are looking for a stylish cot, the Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed (PS375, Cuckooland) is one of the most popular choices among our mum testers. It is available in four colors, and the design looks like it's going to last for a long time. It can also be transformed into a toddler's crib, to allow your baby to use the crib until four years old.

The SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed is another cot that has great style and value (PS695, Mother&Baby). Our mum testers were impressed by its sleek design, stating that it was "simple but elegant and will stand the long-term". It's designed to develop with your child and has two different height settings so that you can put your baby in a higher position and lower it once they are in a position to sit on their own.

It is essential to keep in mind that the mattress should not have a gap of more than 25mm (1") between it and the edges and sides of the cot. This is to ensure your baby is not able to climb out of the cot or get trapped between the mattress and the slats. You should also always use a mattress protector that is 100 100% cotton and GOTS certified Organic, so that it's breathable and soft but totally waterproof and to prevent any leaks!

You can also opt for a more high-tech option and opt for the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot (PS355, Cuckooland). It's a great device that comes with a mobile application and a weaning function, as well as access to sleep specialists. However, it is expensive and may be out of reach for many parents.

Blankets at the End of the Road

If you plan to allow your baby to sleep in a crib or cot with a blanket, make sure to have enough extras so you can wash them frequently. This will keep sheets from becoming excessively dirty and uncomfortable for your child, as well as help to keep their bed clean and fresh. A minimum of three to four sets should suffice.

A high-quality set of organic muslin blankets will 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 wide range of sizes and colors to find the perfect one for your baby.

The best baby blankets are soft and cozy and ventilated. You shouldn't choose blankets that are too heavy and bulky as it could create a suffocation risk for your baby. It is best to choose a blanket made from organic cotton muslin that is breathable and lightweight. A thermal blanket is also a excellent alternative. These are great for those warm summer days when your baby needs a lightweight cover that will keep them warm.

In general, it's advised to remove a blanket in your child’s cot by 18 months, or earlier, if possible. This is because they can be risky if children climb over them. This could result in accidents like falling out of the crib or bed. If your baby has been swaddled since birth or is sleeping in a sleeping bag designed for babies, you may wish to keep the blanket until they are ready to switch to a duvet.

Many parents utilize the milestone blanket to track the baby's development and growth typically using numbers that indicate the age of the child. This is a great method to keep your family and friends up-to-date on your baby's progress, and also capture precious moments. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a stunning double layer blanket that provides warmth and comfort yet is still comfortable and breathable.

Easy to Assemble

While a baby cot bed (otake-S.Ed.Jp) is one of the most important furniture pieces for nursery however, it's also an expensive investment. As such, it's worth the effort to choose one that looks as good as it is sturdy and practical. The most important consideration is that the cot should match the overall look of your baby's room. You should also consider if the cot can be turned into a toddler bed and if so be done, how easy to accomplish.

When selecting a cot, make sure you choose a model with strong frames, solid rails, and smooth edges. Avoid cots that have curved corners, because they could pose the risk of strangulation. Be sure to read the directions of the manufacturer and avoid using any tools that may cause harm. Don't be shy to ask for help. Assembly is generally easier when you have two people, so you can ask your partner or a family member to assist you.

Many cot beds come with matching furniture for the nursery that can really bring the style of your room together. However, if you don't have the money for this there are plenty of good-quality standalone options to choose from. 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 height positions so it's suitable for use from birth and can be lowered when your child is ready to start standing (usually at around 18 months).

Another option is the Scandi-style Coxley cot by Stokke It is a gorgeous hand-crafted look and a neutral grey finish that will suit any decor. It's easy to set up and fits into door frames that are standard, which is useful when you need to shift it around your home. It also converts into a chic, bench-style toddler bed with the addition of a basic kit. It's light enough to fit in a bag to carry when you travel. Parents who were part of our panel said that it was "easy to assemble" and "looks beautiful". They also appreciated the ability to move the base of the mattress upwards or downwards to keep your baby's head in a higher position during naps and prevent them from rolling off at the end of the night.