Buying a Baby Cot Bed

Cot beds can be transformed to toddler beds, making them a better option for long-term use than cribs. They also have removable sides and an end panel that can be pulled down to make it easier for your child.

The majority of cribs can be used from birth to around 2 years old or until your child starts to try to climb out. Then, you can switch to a junior bed.

4 Walls

Cot beds are a safe and secure space for your baby to rest in at night or during naptime. They feature high walls or rails to prevent your child from falling, and many have adjustable mattress heights. A cot bed is perfect for toddlers as well as infants. There are a myriad of types of cot beds to choose from, from simple and affordable models to those packed with additional features. In the end, it is based on your family's needs and budget.

Anyone who is a new parent will discover it crucial to make the right choice in deciding on a baby's sleep arrangement. You want to ensure that your baby is safe and comfortable and also have 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. Additionally, they're not suitable until your child reaches the age of 18 months or so. A cot bed is a better choice for longer-term use and is easily transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed.

Snuz Cot Bed is a versatile, good-value cot. This is a basic but sturdy cot with a hood that is extra-deep, which protects your baby from the elements of wind and sun. It has a storage area at the end, so you can store bedding and other items.

CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot is another good option. It's an ordinary cot, but can be turned into a toddler bed or even a single 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 last alternative is a travel cot. These are usually only suitable for short-term use and may not offer the same level of support as the regular cot. Additionally, they usually have mattresses that aren't as sturdy or as thick as a standard one. While they can be a good alternative to a standard bed while traveling, it is important to keep in mind that your child will only use them for a few years before he or she is ready for a bigger bed.

Waterproof Mattress Protector

Often a lot of thought is put into buying a cot, but little thought is given to the mattress that your baby will sleep on. This is a crucial purchase for your baby. We recommend buying an organic cotton baby bed.

Recent research has revealed that restricted airflow may be the cause of SIDS and SUDI, you'll be looking to ensure that your baby's bedroom is free of toys, pillows, blankets, muslin cloths or cot bumpers which can hinder the flow of air around your little one. You should also keep the cot or bed away from any heaters, radiators windows, cable sockets, and plugs.

If you are 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 colours and looks like it will last for an extended period of time. It can also convert into a toddler bed, so your baby can use it up until the age of 4.

Another cot with great style and value is the SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed (PS695 Mother and Baby). Our mum testers were amazed by its sleek design, saying it was "simple but stylish and will stand the test of time". It's designed to grow with your child. It comes with two different height settings so that you can increase the height of your baby and lower it once they are capable of sitting on their own.

When choosing a cot, it is important to keep in your mind that there should be no more than 25mm (1 inch) gap between the mattress and the sides and ends. This will ensure that your child won't climb out of the crib or get trapped between the slats of the mattress. Use a mattress cover made of is 100 organic cotton and GOTS certified to ensure it is breathable, soft and waterproof.

If you prefer, you can go for a more technological option and choose the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot (PS355, Cuckooland). It's a clever piece of equipment that includes an app that is mobile, a weaning feature, access to sleep consultants and more. But, it's costly and might be out of the budget for many parents.

Blankets at the End of The Road

If you're planning to allow your cheap baby cots for sale to sleep in a crib or cot with a blanket, make sure you have enough blankets to wash them frequently. This will prevent the sheets from becoming overly dirty and uncomfortable for your little one, as well as help to keep their bedding clean and fresh. Three to four sets of sheets should be sufficient.

A high-quality set of organic muslin blankets can allow you to change the sheets often without worrying about them becoming too dirty. They are also breathable, which helps to keep your baby's skin healthy and happy. You can pick from a variety of sizes and colors to find the right one for your baby.

The best blankets are soft comfortable and airy. A blanket that is heavy and bulky can cause your baby to suffocate. It is best to pick an organic blanket made of cotton muslin that is breathable and lightweight. A thermal blanket is a good alternative. They are ideal for those warm summer days when your baby requires a light cover to keep them warm.

In general, it's recommended that you stop using a blanket in your child’s crib by the age of 18 months or earlier if it is possible. They can be dangerous if children are allowed to climb on them, which could lead to accidents such as falls out of crib or bed. If your child is used to sleeping with blankets and is covered from birth or sleeps in a sleeping bag for babies, you may want to keep it in place until they are ready to move to a duvet.

Many parents utilize milestone blankets to mark the baby's development and growth typically using numbers that reflect the age of the child. This is a great method to keep family and friends up-to-date on your baby's progress, and also capture precious moments. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket has a double layer that is warm and cozy, while also being airy.

Easy to Assemble

While a baby cot bed is among the most essential furniture pieces for the nursery, it's also a substantial investment. It is essential to select a model which is both beautiful and robust. The most important factor to consider is that the cot must be in harmony with the overall design of the room your baby is in. You'll also want to consider whether the cot could be converted to a toddler bed and in the event that it does, how easy it is to do.

When choosing a cot, look for models that have solid frames, sturdy rails, and smooth surfaces. It's also best cot bed to avoid models with curving edges, which could pose a risk of strangulation. Also, make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions carefully, and don't use any tool that could cause damage. Don't be afraid to seek help. It's usually easier to get things done when you have two people, so you can ask your partner or family member to help you.

Many cheap cots come with matching furniture for the nursery which can help bring your room together. If you don't wish to spend the amount, there are plenty of high-quality standalone options. The Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range for instance, is available with a modern white finish and is made from solid FSC pine to provide a long-lasting choice. It comes with three mattress settings, which means it is suitable for use from the time of birth. It can also be adjusted to lower the height once your child is ready for standing (usually around 18 months).

Another great alternative is the Scandi-style Coxley cot from Stokke It has a stunning hand-crafted feel and a neutral grey color that is perfect for any room. It's easy to set up and fits through standard door frames, which is useful in the event that you need to move it around your home. It can also be converted into a stylish bench-style toddler bed with the addition of a simple kit. It's lightweight enough to fit in a bag to carry when you go on vacation. Our panel of parents agreed that it was "a dream to put together" and "looks gorgeous". Parents also appreciated the fact that the mattress's base can be moved either up or down, which means you can keep your baby's head elevated throughout the day and stop them from rolling over in the night.