See What Baby Cot Bed Tricks The Celebs Are Using

Buying a Baby Cot Bed

Cot beds are a better long-term option than cribs since they can be converted to an adult bed. They have removable sides, and an end panel that can be removed to provide 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 begins to want to climb out. Then, you can change to junior beds.

4 Walls

Cot beds are a safe and secure space for your baby to sleep in at night or during nap time. They have high walls or rails that 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 variety of cot beds that are available, from simple and affordable models to those with extra features. The decision ultimately depends on the family's budget and requirements.

The right baby sleep arrangement is an important decision for any new parent. You need to make sure that your child is secure and comfortable and also 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. They're also only usually suitable for use up to 18 months. A cot bed is the best infant cribs option for long-term use and is easily transformed into a toddler bed or a 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 that comes with an extra deep hood which shields your child from the sun and wind. It has a storage area at the end, where you can store bedding and other necessities.

Another good choice is the CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot. The cot is designed to be a traditional cot but can be transformed into an infant bed or one bed, thanks to an extension kit that's sold separately. It has three mattress heights so that you can adjust it to suit your child's age.

The final alternative is a travel cot. These are typically intended for temporary use and don't provide the same level of support as a standard cot. They typically have mattresses that aren't as sturdy or thick as standard ones. While they may be a great alternative to a standard mattress when you are travelling however, it is important to consider that your child will only be using them for a couple of years before he or she is ready for a bigger bed.

Waterproof Mattress Protector

Often a amount of thought is given to buying a cot, but less thought is given to the mattress that your baby will sleep on. This is a very important purchase for your baby. We suggest buying organic cotton bedding for your baby.

It is important to make sure that your baby's crib is free of blankets, toys, or pillows. They can impede the air flow around your child. Ideally, you should place the cot bed away from heaters, radiators windows as well as plug sockets and cables that could create a hazard.

If you're looking for a chic cot, the Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed (PS375, Cuckooland) is an extremely popular choice among our mum testers. It comes in four colors and the design appears like it'll last a long time. It is also able to be converted into a toddler's bed, so that your baby can use the crib until four years old.

Another cot with great design and value is the SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed (PS695, Mother and baby cots on sale). Our mum testers were impressed by its sleek design, saying it was "simple but stylish and will stand the long-term". It's designed to grow with your child too and comes with two levels of height for the mattress, so you can keep your baby elevated and then lower it when they start to sit up without assistance.

It is crucial to remember that the mattress shouldn't have a gap of more than 25mm (1") between it and the edges and sides of the cot. This will ensure that your baby can't escape from the cot or get trapped between the mattress and slats. Use a mattress cover that is 100 organic cotton and GOTS-certified to ensure that it is soft, breathable and waterproof.

Alternatively, you could go for a more technological option and opt for the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot (PS355, Cuckooland). It's a clever piece of equipment that includes a mobile app, weaning feature and access to sleep experts and much more. However, it is expensive and may be out of reach for many parents.

Blankets at the End of the Road

If you're thinking of letting your child sleep on a blanket in their crib or cot ensure that you have plenty of extras to rotate through the wash. This will prevent sheets from becoming excessively dirty and uncomfortable for your child, as well as help to keep their bedding clean and fresh. Three to four sets of sheets should be sufficient.

A good quality set of organic muslin blankets allows you to change the sheets frequently without worrying about them becoming too dirty. They are also breathable, which will help keep your baby's delicate skin healthy. You can pick from a wide range of sizes and colors to find the perfect one for your baby.

The best blankets are soft warm and comfortable. A blanket that is heavy and bulky can cause your baby to suffocate. It is recommended to select a blanket made from organic cotton muslin, which is lightweight and breathable. A thermal blanket is also a great crib alternative. These are great for summer days that are warm and sunny. your baby will need an easy-to-wear cover to keep them warm.

In general it is recommended that you remove blankets from your child's cot at the age of 18 months, or earlier if possible. This is because they can be dangerous if children are allowed to climb them. This could result in accidents like falling out of the crib or in bed. If your baby is swaddled from birth or is sleeping in a sleeping bag for babies, you might want to keep the blanket until they are able to switch to a duvet.

Many parents use milestone blankets to mark their child's growth and progress. They are typically marked according to the child's age. It is a great way to keep your family and friends up-to-date about the progress of your child and capture precious memories. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a gorgeous double layer blanket that offers warmth and comfort while still being breathable.

Easy to Assemble

A baby cot bed being one of the most important furniture pieces for nursery is also a significant investment. It's important to choose a model which is both attractive and robust. The cot should be in line with the decor of the room. It is also important to consider whether the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and if so, how easy it is to accomplish.

When choosing a cot make sure you choose a model with solid frames, sturdy rails and smooth surfaces. Avoid models with curved corners, because they can create a strangulation risk. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions carefully, and never use any tool that can cause harm. Don't be afraid to seek help. It's usually easier to get things done when it's done by two people, so you can ask your partner or family member to assist you.

Many top rated cots come with matching furniture for the nursery, which can help to make your room more cohesive. If you don't want to spend the cost, there are a number of good quality standalone options. The Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range, for example, comes in a contemporary white finish and is constructed out of solid FSC pine for a durable choice. It also has three mattress height positions, so it's suitable for use from birth. It can also be lowered when your child is ready for standing (usually at about 18 months).).

Another great option is the Scandi-style Coxley cot from Stokke, which has a stunning hand-crafted feel and a neutral grey finish that will suit any room. It is easy to assemble and fits into doors with standard frames. It is ideal for moving around the home. With the addition of a simple kit, it can be converted into a chic toddler bed in a bench-style. It's light enough to fit into its own bag for trips away. Parents who took part in our panel agreed that it was "easy to put together" and "looks stunning". They also loved the fact that you are able to move the base of the mattress up or down to keep your baby's head elevated throughout the day and keep them from falling asleep at the end of the night.