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 also come with removable sides and an end panel that can be dropped down to provide access to your child.

The majority of cribs can be used from birth to around 2 years or until your baby begins 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 have high walls or rails that prevent your child from falling, and many have adjustable mattress heights. A cot bed is perfect for toddlers and infants alike. There are a myriad of cot bed models, ranging from the basic and affordable to those with many additional features. The final decision is based on the family's budget and requirements.

Anyone who is a new parent will discover it crucial to make the right decision when it comes to choosing a baby's sleeping arrangement. You want to make sure that your child is secure and comfortable and have the space to be used for a long time. While cots can be a great option for newborns and are compact, they can also be difficult to squeeze into smaller spaces. In addition, they're typically only suitable for use up to the point that your child is 18 months old or at the earliest. A cot bed is a better choice for longer-term use and is easily 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 with an extra deep hood which shields your child from the elements of wind and sun. It also has a storage space at the end, where you can store bedding and other necessities.

CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot is an alternative. It can be converted from a cot to single or toddler beds using an extension kit, that is available separately. It has three mattress heights, so you can adjust it to suit your child's age.

The last alternative is a travel cot. They're only suitable for use on short-term basis and may not provide the same level of support as a regular bed. They often come with mattresses which aren't as sturdy or thick as regular ones. While they may be a good alternative to a standard mattress for travel but it is important to consider that your child will only be using them for a few short years before they is ready to move on to a bigger bed.

Waterproof Mattress Protector

Many parents spend a lot of time and effort in choosing a cot but pay less attention to the mattress that your baby will be sleeping on. This is a very important purchase for your cheap baby cots for sale. We recommend purchasing an organic cotton crib.

New research suggests that restricted airflow could be a reason for SIDS and SUDI, you'll want to make sure your baby's bed is free of pillows, toys blankets, muslin cloths, blankets or cot bumpers which can restrict the circulation of air around your child. It is also important to ensure that the bed or cot is away from any heaters, radiators windows, cable sockets, and plugs.

The Mamas & Papas Franklin Cot Bed is a popular option among our mum testers. It comes in four colours and looks like it'll last a long time. It can also be converted into a toddler's bed to allow your baby to use the crib up to four years old.

Another cot that has great design and value is the SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed (PS695 Mother and Baby). Our mum testers loved its sleek design and said it was "simple but stylish and will last for a long time". It's designed to expand with your child too and comes with two different heights for the mattress, so you can keep your baby elevated and then lower it once they are able to sit without assistance.

When selecting a cot it is worth bearing in mind that there should be no more than 25mm (1 inch) gap between the mattress and the cot sides and ends. This will ensure that your baby can't escape from the crib or get caught between the slats on the mattress. Also, you should use a mattress protector that is 100% cotton and GOTS certified Organic, so that it's breathable and soft but also completely waterproof to avoid any unwanted leaks!

Alternatively, you could go for a more technological alternative and select the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby mini cot beds (PS355, Cuckooland). It's a smart piece of kit which has a mobile app, weaning feature and access to sleep experts and more. However, it is expensive and may be out of budget for many parents.

Blankets at the End of the Road

If you're planning on letting your baby sleep on blankets in their cot or crib ensure that you have plenty of blankets to rotate through the wash. This will prevent the sheets from becoming too dirty and uncomfortable for your little one, as well as help to keep their bedding clean and fresh. A minimum of three or four sets is sufficient.

You can change your bedding more often by using a set of organic muslin bedding. They also breathe and help keep your baby's skin healthy and happy. You can pick from a variety of sizes and shades to find the best one for your baby.

The best baby blankets are soft and comfortable and airy. A blanket that is heavy and bulky could cause your baby to choke. It is best to choose an organic blanket made of cotton muslin that is lightweight and breathable. Another option is a thermal blanket. These are great for warm summer days when your baby will require a light cover to keep them warm.

In general it is recommended cribs you do away with blankets in your child's cot at the age of 18 months or earlier if it is possible. They can be dangerous if allowed to climb over them. This can lead to accidents such as falling out of the crib or in bed. However, if your baby is used to sleeping on blankets and has been wrapped from birth or is sleeping in a baby sleeping bag it is best to leave the blanket in place until they are ready to transition to a duvet.

Many parents utilize milestone blankets to track their child's development and growth. These blankets are usually numbered in accordance with the baby's age. This is a wonderful method to keep your family and friends up-to-date about your baby's development, as well capture some precious memories. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a stunning double layer blanket that provides warmth and coziness, and is comfortable and breathable.

Easy to Assemble

While a baby cot bed is one of the most important furniture pieces for nursery but it's also a significant investment. Therefore, it's worth the effort to choose the one that looks appealing as it is strong and practical. 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 could be transformed into a bed for toddlers, and if it can, how easy it is to do so.

When selecting a cot you should select a model with robust frames with sturdy rails, as well as smooth surfaces. It's also best to avoid models with curving edges, which may pose a risk of strangulation. Also, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully, and never use any tool that could cause damage. Don't be afraid to seek assistance. Ask your friend or family member to assist you.

Many cribs come with matching furniture for the nursery that can help connect your room. If you don't have the budget for this there are plenty of good-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 of solid FSC pine, which is a sturdy choice. It has three mattress height settings, which means it can be used right from birth. It can also be removed when your child is able to begin standing (usually around 18 months).

Another option is the Scandi-style Coxley cot from Stokke It is a gorgeous hand-crafted look and a neutral grey finish that suits any interior. It's easy to set up and can be inserted into standard door frames and is ideal when you need to shift it around your home. With the addition of an easy kit, it can be converted into a stylish toddler bed in the bench style. It's also light enough to fit into its own bag for trips away. Parents who were part of our panel said that it was "easy to put together" and "looks gorgeous". They also loved the ability to move the base position of the mattress up or down - so you can keep your baby's head up during nap time and stop them from rolling off at night.