What Are The Top Tips For Buying The Best Baby Cot?

What Is The Difference Between A Cot And A Cot Bed?

Babies eventually outgrow the Moses basket or bassinet that most new parents start with. At that point, it's time to upgrade to a cot or cot bed. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Baby cribs

• The sides and end panel of a cot bed can be removed to provide room for a twin or full-size mattress, allowing the bed to be easily changed to toddler size.
• By the time your child is one or two years old, they may have outgrown their crib. The primary benefit of a cot bed over a cot is the fact that it may be used as a junior bed, meaning it will be useful for many more years.
• The average cot can accommodate a youngster up to the age of eight. However, this is highly variable and is dependent on the individual's weight and the amount of use the bed gets.
• Your infant will have more room to move around and play in a cot bed because of its wider 70-centimeter width compared to a standard cot. Actually, you might not have to spend much extra on them.
• If you have the room, a cot bed is a good investment because it may be used for years without needing to be replaced and because it saves you the trouble of tracking down two matching pieces of furniture.

Cots

• A simple cot may be found for roughly $70, while a high-end solid-oak one can cost up to $700.
• Since cots are typically smaller than cot beds (typically between 50 and 60 centimetres in width), they may be easier to accommodate if your baby's bed is in your room until they are six months old, as is the current recommendation.
• Nonetheless, there is some variation in sizes. While both'standard' and 'continental' sized cot mattresses are the same length,'standard' sized cots are thinner by a few centimetres (around 140cm). The cot's label should include its dimensions.
• Bedside cots are available with a detachable side, allowing you to place it next to your bed. The base may be shifted around so that the baby's mattress is parallel to your own, facilitating nighttime feedings.
• A cot may be more practical if you anticipate having many children with a relatively short age gap between them. You can use the cot for the youngest child, and then get a single bed for the older sibling.

There Are Two Distinct Kinds Of Cradles, Or Cots, In The World

You are not limited to the rectangular, fixed-side design of a traditional cot or cot bed. A drop-side cot, sleigh cot, or cot bed, or one with an integrated drawer or storage, are all viable options.

Drop-sided

When it comes to getting your infant in and out of their cot or bed, some models allow you to lower one side rail for easier access.

The drop-side feature of cot beds and cots is especially helpful if you are shorter than average or have a larger frame.

The drop side can be lowered in a number of ways. The nudge-and-lift feature found on some drop-sided cribs and cot beds is convenient because it can be used with one hand while holding your infant.

Some use a foot pedal or have a trigger mechanism, while others are operated by catching the object. In the United States, drop-sided cots have been the subject of debate. When transforming a drop-sided cot into a junior bed, the drop-side and back rail are typically removed.

Sleigh

For their infants, parents often use sleigh cots. The distinguishing feature that sets them apart from their straight-sided brethren is the reason for their moniker.

Make sure that the sleigh-shaped ends, which are normally bolted on either side of the head and footboards, don't leave a divot or groove between the planks where your baby's clothing could get entangled.

The sides of a sleigh bed may be drop down or permanently in place. To convert the cot into a bed, the side rails will be taken down.

Drawer-equipped cots

A drawer is sometimes installed in cots and cot beds to make use of the otherwise wasted space between the base and the legs. If you need extra storage space but your baby's nursery is on the cramped side, a cot bed that comes with a drawer may be the best option.

Sleigh cot beds and cots with storage drawers are both available.

Size

When room is at a premium, a cot might be a great alternative to a cot bed. Both are around the same height and width, however a cot is smaller at 120 x 60 cm.

The standard dimensions of a cot is about 140 cm by 70 cm, but this might vary depending on the design.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

It's easy to see why having a cot that can transform into a bed would be useful. When your infant is ready to graduate from the cot to a regular bed, you can simply convert it into a toddler bed and save yourself the money. In monetary terms, this means savings for you. That's fun, and who doesn't appreciate having fun?

Another perk of a cot bed is that it facilitates the changeover from the cot to the bed. Having the child sleep in the same bed each night can ease the stress of this major life adjustment.

Remember that during the first six months of your baby's life, he or she should sleep in the same room as you, so keep that in mind when you shop for a cot. If you intend to use the cot bed from birth, it is crucial that you verify its dimensions to make sure it will fit in your bedroom. If you're limited on floor space, opt for a smaller cot bed rather than a larger one.

A cot bed in the nursery is another option after the first six months, when a Moses basket near your bed would suffice. Finally, think about the aesthetics of the nursery. A cot bed will be used for a longer period of time than a regular cot, therefore it is important to find one that complements your child's first bedroom decor.

Adjustable pedestal

The bases of most cots and cot beds can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate a child's development.

For the first few months of a newborn's life, the mattress should be placed on the highest possible foundation level, making it easier to hoist the baby in and out.

As soon as your baby begins to move around and pull themselves up, which can be around eight months old, the lowest position is widely recommended as the safest and should always be used.

You would assume it's unnecessary to get a cot bed with three height settings here, but in reality, most parents end up using the middle height setting (the second one) for the bed mode because the lowest setting is just too low. The bed's adjustable height means it may grow with your child from infant to teen.

Baby crib mattress

Keep in mind that the mattress you choose for the cot or cot bed is just as important as the cot or cot bed itself. The Lullaby Trust, an organisation dedicated to spreading information on better sleep for newborns, suggests that you either get a new mattress or, if you must use a used one, inspect it well to ensure that it is clean, dry, and free of cracks or tears.

The mattress you use in your cot or cot bed must be firm and flat, and it must fit without any gaps. Please refer to our comprehensive guide for further information on the subject of baby bedding and cot mattress safety.

You can choose from a variety of mattresses for your cot or cot bed, but the manufacturer will advise you on the best size to use. Check out our favourite crib mattress picks.

Size

Most cot beds are around 146 centimetres in length, 77 centimetres in depth, and 90 centimetres to 105 centimetres in height at the head end, but the exact dimensions might vary.

A standard size for a cot is between 50 and 60 centimetres broad and 140 centimetres in length. When raised to their greatest point, the side rails of most cot beds are between 84 and 87 centimetres high, making it difficult for shorter carers to set a sleeping baby down in the bed.

A drop side on a cot bed will shorten the height to a more manageable level, allowing you to get to your infant from the bottom of the bed with ease. If you intend to keep your baby in your bedroom for the first six months, measure the space and make sure the cot bed you purchase will fit.

Crib with a teething rail

Many babies find relief from teething pain by chewing on the side of their crib. Your kid and the cot bed will both be safer if you purchase one equipped with a teething rail, a protective covering on the side edges of the cot.

Casters

Some cribs come equipped with casters or mounted wheels, making them easy to relocate. Cleaning under and around the cot is also simplified.

Colour

If you don't prefer a traditional wooden look, you may find cot beds in a wide variety of colours, including white, grey, blue, pink, and many others.

Do You Want Wood With That?

Look into whether or not the cot or cot bed you're considering is made of wood or MDF, an engineered wood product.

A hardwood cot bed will often cost more than an MDF one, though this might vary widely depending on the type of wood used. Plywood cots, for instance, are more affordable than their mahogany counterparts.

Check to see if the'mahogany' on the label is a fake finish over cheap MDF.

How to Determine the Quality of a Used Cot

You can never be too careful, especially when it comes to making sure your kid has a safe place to sleep. You can save money by purchasing a used cot, but before you do, make sure you understand these important safety guidelines.

Do:

• Obtain an extra copy of the primary guidelines - Many are available for free download on the web.
• Put in a fresh mattress on the cot.
• See if the crib complies with safety regulations - Have a look at the packaging or the cot itself to get the BS number.
• Verify that everything is in working order and that there are no rips, tears, or other signs of wear.
• Find out how far apart the bars are; they shouldn't be more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your infant from becoming trapped.
• The recommended distance between the peak of the mattress and the ceiling of the cot is at least 50cm.
• Make sure there aren't any sharp edges on the top rails your kid could catch on.
• Verify that the mechanism for raising the drop-side operates smoothly and remains reliably in the raised position.
• Ensure that a youngster cannot open the drop-side by themselves.
• Make sure there are no openings, ledges, or footholds on the outside for a baby to use to escape.
• A mattress should fit snugly in the cot, with no more than a three-centimeter space between the mattress and the side of the bed.
• Any transfers placed within the cot should be removed as they present a potential choking hazard if they come loose.

Don't:

• Don't take a crib that doesn't have the original instructions or a copy you can get from the manufacturer; these provide crucial safety guidelines.
• Use a vintage item that isn't up to code since it holds sentimental value
• Utilise a mattress that is unclean, wet, or worn
• Mattress with straps that could suffocate your child's hands or feet
• Label the inside of the crib or anywhere your baby can reach with stickers.

Can You Recommend a Good Crib Style?

Considering the room's layout is essential before settling on a cot. For the first six months, it is recommended that your infant sleep in the same room as you; if this is not possible, a cot is preferable than a cot bed.

Here are a few more things to think about and look for while shopping for a baby cot:

• Most crib mattresses offer height adjustments, making them more accessible when your child is still in the infant stage. When they get more mobile, you can lower the base of the cot to prevent them from climbing out. There are typically three height choices available.
• Some cribs have enormous pull-out drawers or shelves that can be accessed from underneath the mattress, perfect for storing all of baby's essentials when you're short on room.
• A cot-top changer is a changing station that sits atop a cot and is used in conjunction with a changing mat. In some cases, this might be a fantastic way to save room.
• Protect your baby's teeth (and his crib!) with teething rail covers when he or she begins teething.
• You can easily lift your child out of a cot with drop-down sides by adjusting the base to a lower position and using the cot's side rails to slide or fold down. It's important to note that following a number of mishaps in 2011, these were outlawed in the United States but are still permitted for use in the United Kingdom.
• You can take your kid with you everywhere you go with the convenience of a travel cot, whether you're just spending the weekend with friends or jetting off on an international adventure. There are both pop-up or tent-style cots that are lightweight and foldable cots that are more sturdy but also heavier.

Conclusion

Cot beds are a brilliant buy because, unlike a conventional cot, your baby can sleep in a cot beyond toddlerhood when you can convert it to a big kid's bed. A simple cot may be found for roughly $70 while a high-end solid-oak one can cost up to $700. Cots are typically between 50 and 60 centimetres in width. They may be easier to accommodate if your baby's bed is in your room. Drop-side cots, sleigh cot, or cot bed are all viable options for infants.

Some allow you to lower one side rail for easier access. Having a cot that can be converted into a bed is a great way to save money and space in the nursery. A cot bed will be used for a longer period of time than a regular cot, therefore it is important to find one that matches your child's first bedroom decor. The mattress you choose for your baby's cot or cot bed is just as important as the size of the bed itself. The Lullaby Trust suggests that you either get a new mattress or inspect it well to ensure it is clean, dry, and free of cracks or tears.

If you're looking to buy a used cot or cot bed, make sure you understand the safety guidelines before you buy one. Some cribs come equipped with casters or mounted wheels, making them easy to relocate. Others come in a wide variety of colours, including white, grey, blue and pink. When buying a baby cot, consider the room's layout before settling on a suitable mattress. Make sure there are no openings, ledges, or footholds on the outside of the cot for a baby to use as an escape route if things get out of control.

Some cribs have enormous pull-out drawers or shelves that can be accessed from underneath the mattress. There are both pop-up or tent-style cots that are lightweight and foldable cots. You can easily lift your child out of a cot with drop-down sides by adjusting the base's angle.

Content Summary

1. The best cot beds suit a family's budget and tastes and match their child's stage of development.
2. Cot beds are a brilliant buy because, unlike a conventional cot, your baby can sleep in a cot bed beyond toddlerhood when you can convert it to a big kid's bed.
3. But how do you work out which are the best cot beds to consider buying?
4. And how do you choose the right one for your baby or child?
5. All the cot beds in this lineup are suitable from birth.
6. Our testers tried them out over several weeks with their babies, aged between 12 weeks and two years old.
7. To help you decide which is the best cot bed for you, read on to determine what our testers thought of each one they tried.
8. At that point, it's time to upgrade to a cot or cot bed.
9. Since cots are typically smaller than cot beds (typically between 50 and 60 centimetres in width), they may be easier to accommodate if your baby's bed is in your room until they are six months old, as is the current recommendation.
10. The cot's label should include its dimensions.
11. A drop-side cot, sleigh cot, or cot bed, or one with an integrated drawer or storage, are all viable options.
12. Drop-sided When it comes to getting your infant in and out of their cot or bed, some models allow you to lower one side rail for easier access.
13. The drop-side feature of cot beds and cots is especially helpful if you are shorter than average or have a larger frame.
14. In the United States, drop-sided cots have been the subject of debate.
15. When transforming a drop-sided cot into a junior bed, the drop-side and back rail are typically removed.
16. Sleigh For their infants, parents often use sleigh cots.
17. To convert the cot into a bed, the side rails will be taken down.
18. If you need extra storage space but your baby's nursery is on the cramped side, a cot bed that comes with a drawer may be the best option.
19. Sleigh cot beds and cots with storage drawers are both available.
20. Size When room is at a premium, a cot might be a great alternative to a cot bed.
21. When your infant is ready to graduate from the cot to a regular bed, you can simply convert it into a toddler bed and save yourself the money.
22. Another perk of a cot bed is that it facilitates the changeover from the cot to the bed.
23. Remember that during the first six months of your baby's life, he or she should sleep in the same room as you, so keep that in mind when you shop for a cot.
24. If you intend to use the cot bed from birth, it is crucial that you verify its dimensions to make sure it will fit in your bedroom.
25. If you're limited on floor space, opt for a smaller cot bed rather than a larger one.
26. A cot bed in the nursery is another option after the first six months, when a Moses basket near your bed would suffice.
27. Finally, think about the aesthetics of the nursery.
28. For the first few months of a newborn's life, the mattress should be placed on the highest possible foundation level, making it easier to hoist the baby in and out.
29. You would assume it's unnecessary to get a cot bed with three height settings here, but in reality, most parents end up using the middle height setting (the second one) for the bed mode because the lowest setting is just too low.
30. The bed's adjustable height means it may grow with your child from infant to teen.
31. Baby crib mattress Keep in mind that the mattress you choose for the cot or cot bed is just as important as the cot or cot bed itself.
32. The mattress you use in your cot or cot bed must be firm and flat, and it must fit without any gaps.
33. You can choose from a variety of mattresses for your cot or cot bed, but the manufacturer will advise you on the best size to use.
34. A drop side on a cot bed will shorten the height to a more manageable level, allowing you to get to your infant from the bottom of the bed with ease.
35. If you intend to keep your baby in your bedroom for the first six months, measure the space and make sure the cot bed you purchase will fit.
36. Crib with a teething rail Many babies find relief from teething pain by chewing on the side of their crib.
37. Your kid and the cot bed will both be safer if you purchase one equipped with a teething rail, a protective covering on the side edges of the cot.
38. Look into whether or not the cot or cot bed you're considering is made of wood or MDF, an engineered wood product.
39. How to Determine the Quality of a Used Cot You can never be too careful, especially when it comes to making sure your kid has a safe place to sleep.
40. You can save money by purchasing a used cot, but before you do, make sure you understand these important safety guidelines.
41. Put in a fresh mattress on the cot.
42. See if the crib complies with safety regulations - Have a look at the packaging or the cot itself to get the BS number.
43. Make sure there are no openings, ledges, or footholds on the outside for a baby to use to escape.
44. A mattress should fit snugly in the cot, with no more than a three-centimeter space between the mattress and the side of the bed.
45. Use a vintage item that isn't up to code since it holds sentimental value Utilise a mattress that is unclean, wet, or worn Mattress with straps that could suffocate your child's hands or feet Label the inside of the crib or anywhere your baby can reach with stickers.
46. Considering the room's layout is essential before settling on a cot.
47. For the first six months, it is recommended that your infant sleep in the same room as you; if this is not possible, a cot is preferable than a cot bed.
48. Here are a few more things to think about and look for while shopping for a baby cot: Most crib mattresses offer height adjustments, making them more accessible when your child is still in the infant stage.
49. When they get more mobile, you can lower the base of the cot to prevent them from climbing out.
50. A cot-top changer is a changing station that sits atop a cot and is used in conjunction with a changing mat.
51. Protect your baby's teeth (and his crib!)
52. with teething rail covers when he or she begins teething.
53. You can easily lift your child out of a cot with drop-down sides by adjusting the base to a lower position and using the cot's side rails to slide or fold down.
54. You can take your kid with you everywhere you go with the convenience of a travel cot, whether you're just spending the weekend with friends or jetting off on an international adventure.