Buying an Infant Cot Bed
The most well-known type is a crib. It is a fantastic place for your infant to sleep. However, it can be difficult for babies to settle into their cot.
Babies should be able to roll over easily. They also need to sleep on flat surfaces. This means that they should not use pillows or blankets in their cots as they can act as an air suffocation risk.
Safety features
When you purchase an infant cot bed it is crucial to confirm whether it was made in a safe manner. This means that you must ensure that it has been tested according to required standards and that all of its parts are safe. This can be done by searching for a JPMA certification seal or checking that there are no gaps between the mattress and the sides of the product that could trap the infant's head, arms or legs. Also, make sure that you don't put in any pillows or blankets to the cot since they could pose an air suffocation hazard.
It is also worth examining whether or not the cot bed is able to let you climb over it easily with your child in it, this is because you may need to visit the room on occasion to change nappies or clean the cot and/or give your baby some cuddles. You should also check that the Cot Bed (
website link) has a waterproof mattress cover to shield it from accidents.
Most cot beds have adjustable mattress heights and some have sides that are removable and can be adjusted as your child grows. This makes it easier to move your child in and out of their cot when they grow older. However, it is important to be watching your child and make sure they move to a toddler bed at 18 months to 2 years old if they show signs they are ready.
If your child is in the cot bed, it is recommended to place the cot away from heaters or windows, wall lamps and cords for curtains or blinds because they can pose an injury to babies who are strangulated. It is a good idea to also take away any climbing aids such as large toys and create a space around the cot free of bedding or toys that could pose a risk of death by suffocation. This will help keep your baby safe and make the transition to a toddler bed less stressful for all of you.
Convenience
A well-designed crib encourages an upright posture and comfortable sleeping environment. Its thoughtful spacing minimizes the risk of entanglement, which can cause suffocation for babies. Its simple design allows parents to be attentive to their baby's needs during diaper changes and at nighttime feedings.
Most
cots offers are available in standard sizes, so they will fit most regular baby mattresses. The cots usually come with a fitted mattress pad and an upholstered sheet to shield the cot against scratches and bumps. There are some cots that feature a removable side, which makes it easier to reach your baby during bedtime. However, it's important to follow the guidelines of The Lullaby Trust and only use mattresses that are suitable for your child's age and weight.
When your child outgrows his or her crib and is ready to move to a toddler's bed. It can be a stressful moment for parents and infants, but you can make the transition smoother. Examine the height of the crib first. It should be lower that the crib of your
Baby Cot so they don't have to climb or leap out of it.
Cots with drop sides are another option, as they're safer for babies who can reach their feet and crawl over the edge. These cots also come with pedals or catches that can stop your child from unlatching the cot themselves. They are particularly useful for parents who are taller, and don't have the reach to lift their baby out of the cot by themselves.
Some cots come with a drop-down side that is able to be raised or lowered to accommodate older babies that are beginning to roll around and wiggle in their sleep. This type of cot also comes with a safety guard that is typically made of metal or plastic and helps prevent your baby from falling out.
You can also buy a Moses Basket that converts to bed. This is great for toddlers and infants who are a little older. The advantage is that it's smaller than a standard cot, therefore it will take up less space in the nursery of your baby's. It is also easy to move and many of them have wheels to facilitate maneuvering.
Aesthetics
A good cot bed should look stylish and fit in perfectly with the rest of your nursery. This will create a relaxing atmosphere for your baby and will also improve the overall ambience in the room. It shouldn't be placed too close to doors or windows as it could expose your baby's sleeping to drafts.
You can choose from a variety of baby cots, however the
best cot bed ones have a sleek design that is stylish and easy to clean. Some of them are crafted with sturdy wood, and come with safety rails that are fixed to keep your child safe. Some are made from metal and are easy to put together. It is crucial to select the cot that won't make your baby overheat, and the fabric should be soft. You should also be aware that a cot should not be placed near a fire since it could catch flames.
Some cots have a basket or drawer under the mattress that can be used to store blankets and muslins. You can also use a hood to shield your baby from light and sound, which will help them sleep better at night. It is also essential to get a mattress that is similar in size to your cot, and you should go with organic cotton whenever it is possible.
A cot is a crucial piece of furniture for your baby and it will last them until they reach around four years old. Some cots are convertible to toddler beds. If you're looking for a high-quality cot, consider the Mamas and Papas Coxley cot bed, that is available in a variety of colours and was voted the top cot at the 2022 Mother&Baby awards. It's simple to assemble, has a beautiful design, and includes three mattress base heights.
Incorporating a few toys into your infant's cot bed can help them sleep longer. It is not recommended to add extra mattresses or pillows to the cot because they can cause suffocation and injury. You can also buy a hygienic cover for the mattress to reduce the need to clean it often. The cover protects your mattress from staining which are caused by shedding or sweat.
Space saving
Cot beds are designed to grow with your child and can usually be converted into the size of a toddler bed. This helps to minimize the cost of replacing cot furniture and makes the transition from crib to bed effortless for your little one. A lot of
cots offers come with built-in shelving to store items such as blankets, toys and books. This feature is especially useful if your home is limited in space.
Unlike bassinets, cot beds typically have a slatted design that allows air to circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. The slats keep the mattress clean and fresh. They are also less vulnerable to sagging, unlike bassinets which can be uncomfortable for your baby. You can pick from a variety of sizes of slats, such as standard, narrow, and wide. Whatever size you select you must always select an extremely firm and sturdy mattress for your baby's comfort as well as safety.
Some
best cots uk have a metal or plastic top to prevent your child from climbing onto the bed. However the tops must be removed when your child gets older, as they may cause injuries. There are a variety of cots on the market. Some are offered in various styles and colors. Some cots come with additional features, such as teething bars or under-bed storage drawers.
One of our top picks is the Mamas and Papas Coxley cot bed, which features an attractive design and simple assembly. It's also a good choice for parents in a financial crunch, as it's less expensive than other options on the market. The cot has the mattress of standard size. This makes it easier to buy bedding.