"A Guide To Baby Cot Bed In 2024

Buying a Baby Cot Bed

Cot beds are a better long-term choice than best infant cribs as they can be converted to a toddler bed. They come with removable sides, and an end panel can be dropped to allow access to your child.

Most cots can be used from the time of birth until around 2 years old or until your child starts to attempt to climb out. Then you should move to a junior bed.

4 Walls

Cot beds offer secure and safe for your baby to sleep in at night or during nap time. They are equipped with high walls or rails to keep your child from falling out, and a majority of them have adjustable mattress heights that can be reduced as your baby grows. This makes a cot bed ideal for infants and toddlers alike. There are a variety of cot beds that are available that range from basic and inexpensive models to those with extra features. In the end, it depends on the needs of your family and the budget you have set.

The right baby sleep arrangement is a crucial decision for any new parent. You need to ensure that your baby will be comfortable and safe and have the space to be used for a long period of time. While cribs are great for babies however, they're also very compact and can be difficult to fit into smaller spaces. They're generally only suitable for use up to 18 months. A cot-bed is a much more durable alternative and can be easily converted into a toddler bed or a smaller single bed.

Snuz Cot Bed is a flexible, affordable cot. This is a basic but sturdy cot with a large hood, which protects your baby from the elements of wind and sun. It has a storage area at the end, so you can put away bedding and other items.

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

The last alternative is a travel cot. They are typically only suitable for temporary use and don't offer the same level of support as a regular cot. They typically come with mattresses which aren't as strong or as thick as the standard ones. While they may be a good alternative to a standard bed when you are travelling however, it is important to consider that your child will only be using them for a few short years before they is ready for a bigger bed.

Protect your mattress from water and dirt

Many parents spend lots of time and effort in choosing the right cot, but pay no attention to the mattress your baby will be sleeping on. It is among the most important purchases you make for your baby, and we suggest investing in a good quality organic cotton baby mattress.

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

The Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed is a popular option among our mum testers. It is available in four colours and has an attractive design that appears like it's built to endure the test of time. It is also able to be converted into a toddler's bed so that your baby 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 and Baby). Our mom testers loved its sleek design and said it was "simple yet stylish and will endure the test of time". It is designed to grow with your child, too. It comes with two different heights for the mattress so that you can keep your baby raised and then lower it once they begin to sit up unaided.

When selecting a cot it is worth bearing in your mind that there should not be more than 25mm (1 inch) gap between the mattress and the cot sides and ends. This will ensure that your child won't climb out of the crib or get caught between the slats of the mattress. Choose a mattress cover that is 100 organic cotton and GOTS certified to ensure it is breathable, soft and waterproof.

Alternatively, if you prefer an option that is high-tech, then the SNOO Baby Cot Smart Sleeper (PS355, Cuckooland) is a great choice. It's a smart piece of equipment that comes with an app for mobile devices, a weaning feature as well as access to sleep specialists and much more. However, it's expensive and may be out of the budget for many parents.

Blankets at the end of the Line

If you're thinking of letting your child sleep on blankets in their best crib for newborn or cot be sure to have plenty of blankets to rotate through the wash. This will stop the sheets from becoming too dirty and uncomfortable for your little one and also help to keep their bed clean and fresh. A minimum of three to four sets is sufficient.

A good quality set of organic muslin blankets can allow you to change the sheets frequently without worrying about them becoming too dirty. They also breathe, 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 cot beds baby blankets are soft and comfortable and ventilated. You don't want blankets that are heavy and bulky as it could cause an obstructive risk to your baby. It is recommended to select a blanket made from organic cotton muslin that is breathable and lightweight. Another good alternative is a thermal blanket. These are great for balmy summer days when your baby will need a lightweight cover to keep them warm.

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

Many parents utilize the milestone blanket to track the baby's development and growth usually with numbers that indicate the age of the child. This is a great method to keep your family and friends updated on your baby's progress, as well as capture precious moments. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket has a double layer that's both warm and cozy, while also being comfortable to wear.

Easy to Assemble

While a cot for a baby is one of the most essential furniture pieces for the nursery, it's also a substantial investment. It's important to choose one that is attractive and sturdy. The most important consideration is that the cot must be in keeping with the overall style of the baby's room. You should also consider whether the cot will convert into a toddler bed, and in the event that it does, how easy this is to do.

When selecting a cot, ensure that it has strong frames, sturdy rails, and smooth finishes. Also, avoid models with curved edges, which could be a source of strangulation. Be sure to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer and avoid making use of any tools that could cause harm. Don't be afraid to seek help. Assembly is generally easier when it's done by two people, so ask your partner or a family member to help you.

Many cribs come with matching furniture for your nursery, which can really pull the design of your room together. However, if you don't have the budget for this you can find many good cribs-quality standalone options available. The Elementary cot-bed from John Lewis Anyday comes in white and is made of solid FSC pine, which makes it a durable option. It also has three mattress height positions, so 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).

Another great alternative is the Scandi-style Coxley cot from Stokke that has a beautiful hand-crafted feel and a neutral grey finish that will suit any decor. It's easy to assemble and fits through door frames that are standard, which is useful when you need to shift it around your home. It can also transform into a chic bench-style toddler bed with the addition of a simple kit. It's light enough to fit into its own carry bag for trips away. Our panel of parents agreed that it was "a dream to put together" and "looks gorgeous". The parents also liked the fact that the base of the mattress can be moved either up or down, which means you can keep your baby's head up during naps and stop them from falling over in the night.