Buying a Baby Cot Bed

Cot beds are a better long-term choice than cribs as they can be converted into a toddler bed. They also have removable sides as well as an end panel that can be dropped down to provide access to your child.

Most cots are suitable for use from birth to around 2 years or until your baby starts trying to climb out. Then, you can switch to junior beds.

4 Walls

Cot beds are a safe, secure place for your baby to sleep or rest during the night. They feature high walls or rails to prevent your baby from falling out, and a majority of them have adjustable mattress heights that can be adjusted as your child grows. A cot bed is suitable for toddlers and infants alike. There are a myriad of cot bed models, ranging from the simple and affordable to models with numerous additional features. The choice ultimately comes down to the family's budget as well as their needs.

The right baby sleep arrangement is a major decision for any new parent. You need to ensure that your child is secure and comfortable, as well as having the space to be used for a long time. While cots are ideal for infants but they're also quite small and can be difficult to fit into smaller spaces. In addition, they're generally only suitable for use until your child is 18 months old or that is. A cot-bed is a more durable option that can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or a smaller single bed.

Snuz Cot Bed is a versatile, good-value cot. It's a sturdy and simple cot that has a hood that extends to protect your baby from the elements of wind and sun. It also has a storage space at the end, so you can put away bedding and other essentials.

CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot is an alternative. The cot is designed to be an ordinary cot beds for sale, but can be transformed into an infant cot bed bed or one bed, because of an extension kit that's sold separately. It has three handy mattress heights, so you can keep the mattress high up for infants and babies, before lowering it down as your child grows older.

The final option is a travel bed. They are only suitable for short-term use and may not provide the same level of support as a regular bed. In addition, they typically have mattresses that aren't as firm or as thick as the standard one. They can be a useful alternative to a standard cot while you travel, but it's worth remembering that they'll last only several years before your child is ready to move on to larger beds.

Protect your mattress from water with a waterproof mattress

Many people spend lots 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 baby. We suggest buying an organic cotton crib.

As new research shows restricted airflow could be the cause of SIDS and SUDI, you'll need to ensure your baby's bedroom is free of pillows, toys blankets, muslin sheets or cot bumpers that could restrict the flow of air around your child. Also, keep the bed or cot clear of radiators, heaters, windows cables, and plug sockets.

If you're looking for a stylish cot the Mamas & Papas Franklin Cot Bed (PS375, Cuckooland) is a popular choice among our mum testers. It comes in four colours and looks like it's going to last for a long time. It can also be converted into a toddler bed, which means your baby can use it up until the age of 4.

The SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed is another cot that is stylish and value (PS695 Mother&Baby). Our mom testers loved its sleek design and said it was "simple yet elegant and will endure the test of time". It's designed to expand with your child, too. It comes with two levels of height for the mattress so you can keep your baby raised and then lower it when they begin to sit up without assistance.

When you are choosing a cot it is worth bearing in the mind that there shouldn't be more than 25mm (1 inch) gap between the mattress and the cot sides and ends. This will ensure that your baby can't climb out of the crib or be trapped between the slats on the mattress. Also, you should make sure to use mattress protectors that are 100 100% cotton and GOTS certified Organic, so that it is breathable and soft but also completely waterproof to avoid any unwanted leaks!

You can also go for a more technological option and opt for the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot (PS355, Cuckooland). It's a smart piece of equipment that comes with an app for mobile devices, a weaning features as well as access to sleep specialists and more. It's costly and not accessible to many parents.

Blankets at the End

If you're planning to let your baby sleep in a crib or cot with a blanket, make sure to have enough bedding to clean them regularly. This will keep the sheets from becoming overly dirty and uncomfortable for your little one and also help to keep their bedding clean and fresh. Three to four sheets should be sufficient.

A good 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 and help keep your baby's skin healthy and happy. They are available in a variety of sizes and colours, so you can find the perfect ones for your baby's needs.

The Best cot for newborn blankets for babies are soft and cosy and airy. You don't want a blanket that is too heavy and bulky as it could cause an obstructive risk to your baby. A blanket made of organic cotton muslin is a great choice, as it is light and airy. Another good option is a thermal blanket. These are great for those balmy summer days, when your baby needs a light cover to keep them warm.

In general, it's recommended to stop using blankets in your child's crib by the age of 18 months or earlier, if you can. They can be dangerous if children are allowed to climb on them, leading to accidents like falling from the crib or bed. However, if your baby is used to sleeping with blankets and has been covered from birth or sleeps in a baby sleep bag it is best to keep it in place until they are ready to move to a duvet.

Many parents use milestone blankets to record their child's development and growth. These blankets are typically numbered according to the child's age. It is a great way to keep family and friends informed of your baby's progress as well as capture some precious moments. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a gorgeous double layer blanket that gives warmth and comfort, and is comfortable and breathable.

Easy to Assemble

While a baby cot bed is among the most important pieces of nursery furniture but it's also a significant investment. It is essential to select a model which is both elegant and durable. The cot should match the style of the room. You should also consider whether the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and if so, how easy it will be to do.

When selecting a cot, make sure you choose a model with strong frames, sturdy rails and smooth surfaces. Avoid models that have curved corners, because they could pose strangulation risks. Be sure to read the directions of the manufacturer and avoid using any tools that could cause damage. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Ask your partner or family member to help you.

Many cribs come with matching furniture for the nursery, which can really pull the look of your room together. If you don't have the budget for this you can find plenty of good-quality standalone options to choose from. The Elementary cot-bed from John Lewis Anyday comes in a white finish with solid FSC pine, which makes it a durable choice. It comes with three mattress settings, which means it can be used right from birth. It can also be removed when your child is ready for standing (usually around 18 months).).

Another great option is the Scandi-style Coxley cot by Stokke, which has a beautiful hand-crafted feel and a neutral grey finish that suits any room. It is easy to assemble, and it fits through doors with standard frames. It is ideal to move around the home. With the addition of an easy kit that allows it to be transformed into a stylish toddler bed in the bench-style. It's light enough to fit into a bag for when you travel. Our panel of parents agreed that it was "a dream to put together" and "looks beautiful". They also loved the ability to move the base position of the mattress upwards or downwards so that you can keep your baby's head up throughout the day and keep them from rolling away at the end of the night.