Buying an Infant Cot Bed
The most popular type is a crib. It is a fantastic place for your baby to sleep. It can be difficult for your child to settle in their cot.
Babies should be able roll over easily. They also require a flat surface to lay on. Avoid using top ranked cribs or pillows since they can cause suffocation.
Safety features
It is important to check the safety of a cot bed for the infant prior to buying it. This means that you must ensure that it has been tested to appropriate standards and that all parts are safe. You can check this by looking for the JPMA certification seal or ensuring that there aren't any gaps between the mattress and the sides of the product that could trap an infant's head, arms or legs. It is also important to ensure that you do not add pillows, stuffed toys or blankets to the cot as they can be an air suffocation hazard.
You might need to go into your child's room to change their diapers, clean the cot, or give them some cuddles. You will also want to ensure that the cot has a mattress protector that is waterproof, as this will protect it from any accidents that your baby may suffer.
Some cots have removable sides and adjustable mattress heights. They can be adjusted as your child grows. This will make it easier for your baby to climb in and out of the cot as they get older, but you should be watching the bed and make sure that they are moved to a toddler bed at around 18 months or two years when they begin to begin to show signs that they are ready to do this.
It is important to ensure that the cot bed is away from wall lamps. Also, cords of curtains or blinds can cause strangulation. It is recommended to also take away any climbing aids, such as large toys and make a space surrounding the cot that is free of toys or bedding which could be a danger of suffocation. This will help keep your baby safe from injuries and help make the transition to a toddler bed a smoother process for everyone.
Convenience
A well-designed crib encourages a healthy posture and a safe sleeping environment. Its deliberate spacing reduces entanglement hazards that can result in a risk of suffocation for infants. Its simple design also provides parents with an array of options for attending to their baby's needs during diaper changes or evening feedings.
Most cots come in standard sizes, which means they can be used with any standard baby mattress. The cots are usually equipped with a fitted mattress pad and a fitted sheet to protect the cot from bumps and scratches. There are some cots that feature a removable side, which allows you to easily reach your baby during bedtime. However, it's essential to follow the recommendations of The Lullaby Trust and only use a mattress that is suitable for your child's weight and age.
When your baby is no longer in their cot, it's the time to transition them to a toddler bed. It can be a difficult time for parents as well as babies, but there are ways to make the transition easier. Check the height of the crib first. It should be lower than the baby's bed, so they won't be forced to jump or climb out of it.
Drop-side cots are a great option for older babies who are able to crawl and reach their feet. They also feature locks or pedals that can stop your baby from releasing themselves. They are especially helpful for taller parents who do not have the ability to lift their child from the cot.
Some cots come with an option to be lowered and raised. This is ideal for older babies, who are beginning to roll over or wriggle while sleeping. This type of cot also comes with a safety shield, which is usually made of metal or plastic, and can help keep your baby safe from falling out.
You can also purchase a Moses Basket that converts to a bed. This is perfect for toddlers and babies who are a little older. The advantage of this is that it's smaller than a standard cot, which means it takes up less room in your baby's nursery. It's also easy to move around in, and most come with wheels that make it easy to manoeuvre.
Aesthetics
A good cot bed must look stylish and fit in well with the rest of your nursery. This will help to create a calm and peaceful space for your baby and will add to the overall ambiance of the room. It shouldn't be placed too close to a window or door because this could expose your baby to drafts that could disturb their sleep.
There are a myriad of choices for baby cots. The best ones feature a sleek, modern design that is easy to maintain and looks stunning. Some are constructed of durable wood and have fixed safety rails to keep your child safe. Others are made of steel and are simple to put together. Pick a cot made of soft fabric that will not make your baby sweat. The cot shouldn't be set close to a fire since it may catch the fire.
Some cots include a drawer or basket underneath which is great to store muslin cloths and blankets. A hood can be used to shield your infant from light and noise which will allow them to sleep more peacefully at night. It is also crucial to purchase a mattress that is similar to the size of your cot, and go with organic cotton whenever it is possible.
A cot is an important piece of furniture for your baby, and it will last until they reach around four years old. Some cots can even be used as toddler beds. If you're looking to purchase a high-end cot, consider the Mamas and Papas Coxley cot bed, that comes in a variety of colors and was voted the best cot at the 2022 Mother&Baby awards. It has a beautiful aesthetic and is easy to put together and has 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 mattresses or pillows to the cot as they could result in suffocation or injury. You can purchase a hygienic mattress cover to decrease the frequency of cleaning the mattress. The mattress is protected from stains caused by shedding, soaking or sweat.
Space saving
Cot beds are designed to expand with your child. They are able to be converted into an adult bed. This reduces the cost of replacing furniture for the cot, and makes the transition from crib to bed easier for your child. top ranked cribs of cots come with built-in shelves that can be used to store items such as blankets, toys and books. This feature is especially helpful in the event that you have a limited amount of space in your home.
Contrary to cribs and bassinets the cots have a slatted structure that allows air to circulate. This helps to regulate the temperature of your baby's body. The slats also help keep the mattress fresh and clean. They are also less prone to sagging, unlike bassinets which can cause discomfort for your baby. You can choose between various slats including wide, standard, and narrow. Regardless of the slat size you select you must always select an extremely firm and sturdy mattress for your baby's comfort and safety.
Some cots have a metal or plastic top to stop your baby from climbing the bed. However it is important to have these tops removed when your child gets older, since they could cause injuries. There are many different cots that are available. They are offered in various styles and colors. Some cots come with additional features like teething bars and under-bed storage drawers.
The Mamas and Papas cot bed is one of our top picks. It has a gorgeous design and is simple to put together. The cot is a great choice for parents on budget since it is less expensive than other alternatives. The cot comes with an ordinary mattress size. This makes it easier to buy bedding.
Leander cot beds are another great alternative. They come with an under-bed storage drawer that can be used to store toys and bedding. This cot can be used for babies, and it is compact. It is an ideal choice for those who have limited space. Lastly, the Boori Oasis oval cot is a stylish and attractive choice that's simple to put together and looks stunning in any nursery. It's more expensive than the other cots we tested however it's worth considering if you're looking for a high-end cot that can grow with your baby.