Buying an Infant Cot Bed
The most common kind is a crib. It is a fantastic place for your infant to sleep. It isn't easy for your baby to settle in their cot.
Babies should be able to roll over easily. They also require a flat surface to sleep on. This means avoiding pillows or blankets in their cot as they could be an air suffocation risk.
Safety features
When purchasing an infant cot bed, it is essential to ensure that it has been manufactured in a safe manner. It is crucial to ensure that the product has been tested to the appropriate standards and that the parts are secure. This can be done by searching for the JPMA certification seal or by checking whether there are no gaps between the mattress and sides of the product that could catch the infant's head or legs. You should also make sure that you don't put in any pillows blankets, stuffed toys, or blankets to the cot as they can be an entrapment risk.
It is also worth examining whether or not the cot bed will allow you to reach it with ease while having your baby within it, this is because you might have to go into the room from time to time to change nappies or clean the cot, and also give your baby a few cuddles. Also, make sure whether the cot bed is covered with an waterproof mattress cover to shield it from accidents.
Some cots have removable sides and adjustable mattress heights. These can be adjusted as your child gets older. This makes it easier to move your child into and out of their cots as they grow older. However, you should still keep an eye on your child and make sure they move to a toddler bed around 18 months to 2 years old if they show signs that 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 as these can be an entrapment risk for infants. It is also a good idea to create a clear zone around the cot, free from any toys or bedding that could pose a suffocation risk and take away climbing aids such as large toys. This will help keep your child safe and make the transition to a toddler bed a lot easier for all of you.
Convenience
A well-designed cot provides an environment for sleep that encourages healthy posture. Its thoughtful spacing minimizes the chance of entanglement which can lead to suffocation in babies. Its minimalist design also gives parents a an array of options for attending to their baby's needs during diaper changes or meals at night.
Most cots are available in standard sizes, which means they can fit on any mattresses for babies that are standard. They usually also come with a fitted sheet and a mattress pad that protects the cot from scratches and bumps. Some cots have a removable side, which allows you to easily reach your baby during the time of bed. It's important to follow The Lullaby Trust's guidelines and only use a mattress that is suitable for your child's weight and age.
If your child is outgrowing their crib, it's time to transition them to a toddler bed. It can be a tough time for parents as well as infants, but you can make the transition easier. Check the height of the crib first. You want it to be lower than your baby's bed, so they won't be forced to jump or climb out of it.
Drop-side cots can be a great alternative for older children, who are able to crawl and lift their feet. They also have catch or pedals that stop your baby from unlatching themselves. These are particularly useful for taller parents who don't have the ability to take their child from the crib.
Some cots come with an option to be raised and lowered. This is perfect for older babies, who are beginning to roll over or wiggle during sleep. This type of cot has a safety guard that is made from metal or plastic and protects your baby from falling.
Alternatively, you can buy an Moses basket that converts into a bed, which is great for toddlers and infants. The benefit of this is that it's smaller than a standard cot, therefore it will take up less room in the nursery of your baby's. It is also easy to move, and many come with wheels that help you move it.
Aesthetics
A good cot bed must look stylish and fit in well with the other furniture in your nursery. This will create a peaceful atmosphere for your baby and will also add to overall ambiance in the room. It should not be too close to a door or window because this could expose your baby to drafts which could disturb their sleep.
You can choose from a range of baby cots, but the most effective ones have a sleek design that looks stunning and is easy to clean. Some are constructed of durable wood and feature fixed safety rails to keep your child secure. Others are made of metal and are simple to put together. Pick a cot made of soft fabric that doesn't cause your baby sweat. A cot shouldn't be placed near a flame, as it could catch on fire.
Some cots have a drawer or basket underneath that can be useful for storing muslin cloths as well as blankets. You can also use the hood to shield your baby from sound and light which will allow them to sleep better at night. You should also select an identical size mattress as your baby's cot. If you can, you should use organic cotton.
A cot is an essential piece of furniture for your baby, and it will last until they reach the age of four years old. Some cots can be used as toddler beds. If you're looking to purchase a high-end cot, consider the Mamas and Papas Coxley cot bed, that is available in a range of colours and has been voted best cot in the 2022 Mother&Baby awards. It's stylish and is easy to put together and features three mattress base heights.
Add a few toys to the cot bed of your infant to help them sleep for longer. However, you should not attempt to make the cot more comfortable with mattresses or pillows as they could create the risk of suffocation or injuries. You can also buy an appropriate cover for the mattress to lessen the requirement to wash it often. The mattress is protected from stains that result from shedding, soaking or sweat.
Space Savings
Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds and are designed to accommodate your child's growth. This lowers the cost of replacing the furniture for the cot, and makes the transition from crib to bed more comfortable for your child. A lot of cots have built-in storage to store things like blankets, toys, and books. This feature is particularly useful if you are short on space in your home.
Contrary to bassinets, cot beds typically have slatted designs that allows air to circulate and regulate your baby's temperature. cots 4 tots can also help keep the mattress fresh and clean. They are less likely to sink than bassinets, which can be uncomfortable for the baby. You can pick from several slats including standard, wide, and narrow. Regardless of the slat size you pick you must always select a thick and firm mattress for your baby's comfort as well as safety.
Some cots come with the top made of plastic or metal to prevent your child from climbing the bed. These tops may cause injury to your child, which is why they should be removed once they are older. There are a variety of cots available on the market. Some are offered in various styles and colors. Some cots have additional features like teething bars, and drawers for storage under the bed.
One of our favorites is the Mamas and Papas Coxley cot bed, which has a beautiful aesthetic and simple assembly. The cot is a great option for parents with budget since it is cheaper than other options. The cot also includes mattresses that are a standard size, which makes it easier to buy bedding for.
Leander cribs are another excellent alternative. They come with an under-bed storage drawer that can store bedding and toys. The cot is also suitable for infants and is super compact, which makes it an ideal option for those working with little space. The Boori Oasis is a stylish and elegant cot that is simple to assemble. It is a great addition to any nursery. It's more expensive compared to other cots, but it's worth a look in the event that you are trying to find a crib of high-quality that will grow with your child.