Buying an Infant Cot Bed
The most common kind is a cot. It's a wonderful place to rest your baby. It can be difficult for your baby to settle in their cot.
Babies should be able roll over easily. They also require a flat surface to sleep on. This means that they should not use pillows or blankets in their cots as they could be an obstructing factor.
Safety features
It is important to check the safety of a cot bed for an infant before purchasing it. This means you should ensure that it has been tested to proper standards and that all of its parts are secure. This can be done by examining the JPMA certification seal, or by making sure that there aren't any gaps between the mattress and the product sides that could trap an infant's head, arms or leg. It is also important to ensure that you do not add pillows, stuffed toys or blankets to your cot because they can be an entrapment risk.
It is also worth considering whether or not the cot bed allows you to reach it with ease while having your child in it, this is because you may need to go into the room from time to time to change nappies or clean the cot, and also give your little one some cuddles. You will also want to ensure that the cot has an appropriate mattress protector that is waterproof as this will protect it from any accidents your infant might have.
The majority of cot beds come with adjustable mattress heights. Some have sides that can be adjusted as your child grows. This makes it easier for your infant to climb in and out of the cot as they grow older, but you must keep an eye on them and then move them to a toddler bed at 18 months or two years old when they begin to show signs that they are ready to do this.
When your child is in the cot bed it is recommended that you position the cot away from heaters or wall lamps, windows and curtain or blind cords since they could be a strangulation hazard for babies. It is important to create a safe zone around the cot that is free from any toys or bedding that could cause a suffocation risk and remove climbing aids like large toys. This will keep your baby secure and make the transition to a toddler bed less stressful for you all.
Convenience
A well-designed cot fosters a supportive sleep environment that promotes healthy posture. Its deliberate spacing reduces the dangers of entanglement, which can cause suffocation for babies. Its simple design enables parents to be attentive to their baby's requirements during diaper changes and nighttime feedings.
Most cots come in standard sizes, meaning they can fit on any mattresses for babies that are standard. The cots are typically equipped with a mattress pad and fitted sheets to protect the cot against bumps and scratches. Some cots come with removable sides, which make it easier to reach the baby at bedtime. It's important to follow The Lullaby Trust's advice and only use a mattress for your child's weight and age.
When your child has outgrown his or her cot, you should move them to a toddler's bed. This can be a challenging time for both parents and baby, however there are a few ways to help make the transition easier. Examine the height of the crib first. It should be lower than your baby's bed, so they won't be forced to jump or climb out of it.
Drop-side cots are a great alternative for older children, who are able to crawl and reach their feet. They also have pedals or catch that stop your child from releasing the cot on their own. These are especially useful for taller parents, who do not have the reach to get their baby out of the cot themselves.
Some cots come with an option to be raised and lowered. This is perfect for older babies, who are beginning to roll around or wiggle while sleeping. This type of cot also comes with a safety shield, that is typically made of metal or plastic, and can help prevent your baby from falling out.
You can also purchase an Moses basket that can be converted into a bed, which is ideal for younger babies and toddlers. This is smaller than the standard one, meaning it takes up less space in your baby's room. crib sets 's also easy to move around in, and most have wheels that make it easy to maneuver.
Aesthetics
A cot bed that is of good quality should look stylish and fit in perfectly with the other furniture in your nursery. This will create a peaceful environment for your baby and will add to the overall ambience of the room. It should not be set too close to doors or windows, as this may expose your baby's sleep to drafts.
You can choose from a variety of cots for babies, but the top ones are sleek and stylish that looks stunning and is easy to clean. Some are constructed from sturdy wood, and have fixed safety rails to keep your child safe. Some are made of metal and are simple to put together. It is important to choose a cot that will not make your baby sweat and the fabric must be soft. You should also be aware that a cot should never be placed near a flame since it could catch flames.
Some cots include an under-bed drawer or basket which is great for holding muslin cloths and blankets. A hood can be used to guard your child from light and noise and allow them to sleep better at night. It is also recommended to choose an identical size mattress as your baby's cot. If you can you should choose organic cotton.
The cot will last your baby until he or she is about 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, which is available in a variety of colors and was voted the best cot at the 2022 Mother&Baby awards. It has a beautiful aesthetic and is simple to assemble and features three mattress base heights.
Adding a few toys to your infant's cot bed can help them sleep for longer. It is not recommended to add extra mattresses or pillows to the cot because they can cause suffocation and injuries. You can also purchase a hygienic cover for the mattress to reduce the need to wash it often. The cover shields your mattress from staining which are caused by shedding or sweat.
Space saving
Cot beds are designed to expand with your child and can usually be converted into the size of a toddler bed. This reduces the cost of replacing furniture for a cot as well as making the transition from crib to bed seamless for your baby. Many cots have built-in shelves to store things like blankets, toys, and books. This feature is especially helpful if your home is limited in space.
Contrary to bassinets, cot beds generally have a slatted structure that allows air to circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. The slats help keep your mattress clean and fresh. They are also less vulnerable to sagging than bassinets which can cause discomfort for your baby. You can pick from a variety of sizes for slats, including standard, narrow, and wide. Regardless of the slat size you pick it is important to select a thick and firm mattress to ensure your baby's comfort and safety.
Some cots have a top that is made of metal or plastic which can help keep your child from getting out of bed. However, these tops should be removed when your child gets older, as they can cause injuries. There are many cots on the market. They are available in a variety of styles and colors. Certain cots are equipped with extra features like teething bars and drawers for storage under the bed.
The Mamas and Papas cot bed is one of our top picks. It has a stunning aesthetic and is simple to assemble. It is a great option for parents on limited funds since it is cheaper than other alternatives. The cot also includes mattresses that are a standard size, which makes it simpler to purchase bedding for.
Another option is an alternative is the Leander cot bed, which has an under-bed drawer that can be used for storing bedding and toys. The cot is suitable for infants and is compact. It is an ideal choice for those who have a limited space. Lastly, the Boori Oasis oval cot is an elegant and attractive choice that's easy to put together and looks beautiful in any nursery. It's more expensive than the other cots that we tested, but it's still worth a look if you're looking for a high-end cot that will grow with your child.