Buying a Baby Cot Bed

Cot beds are a better long-term choice than cribs as they can be transformed into a toddler bed. They also come with removable sides and an end panel that can be pulled down to allow access to your child.

Most cots are suitable for use from birth to around 2 years or until your child starts to climb out. Then, it is time to change to junior beds.

4 Walls

Cot beds offer an ensconced, safe space for your baby to rest or rest during the night. They feature high walls or rails to stop your baby from slipping out, and most feature adjustable mattress heights that can be adjusted as your child grows. A cot bed is suitable for toddlers as well as infants. There are many different types of cot beds to choose from, from simple and affordable models to those with extra features. Ultimately, the decision depends on your family's requirements and budget.

Every new parent will find it important to make the right choice in deciding on a baby's sleep arrangement. You need to make sure that your child is secure and comfortable and have the space to be used for a long time. While cots are great for newborns however, they're also very compact and may be difficult to fit into smaller spaces. Additionally, they're not suitable until your child reaches 18 months or at the earliest. A cot bed is a better option for longer-term use and is easily converted into a toddler or a small single bed.

If you're looking for a good-value cot that is versatile we suggest the Snuz Cot Bed. It's a sturdy and simple crib with a hood that extends to protect your baby from wind and sun. It also has a handy storage space at the bottom of the cot so you can keep bedding and other items in a convenient place.

Another good choice is the CuddleCo Nola Convertible Cot. It's a traditional cot but can be turned into a toddler bed or even one bed, thanks to an extension kit that's sold separately. It comes with three different mattress heights so you can alter it according to your child's age.

The final option is a travel cot. They are designed for short-term usage and don't provide the same level of support as a standard bed. Mini Cot Bed come with mattresses which aren't as sturdy or thick as traditional ones. While they can be a good alternative to a standard mattress when you are travelling however, it is important to consider that your child will only be using them for a few short years before he or she is ready to move on to a bigger bed.

Mattress Protector Waterproof

Often a lot of thought is put into buying a cot, but less consideration is given to the mattress that your baby will sleep on. This is one of the most important purchases you will make for your baby. we recommend purchasing a good quality organic cotton baby mattress.

You should make sure that your baby's cot bed is not cluttered with toys, pillows or blankets. They can block the air flow around your child. Also, keep the bed or cot away from any radiators, heaters, windows plug sockets, and cables.

If you are looking for a chic cot the Mamas & Papas Franklin Cot Bed (PS375, Cuckooland) is an extremely popular choice among our mom testers. It is available in four different colors and has beautiful design that looks like it's built to endure the test of time. It can also be transformed into a toddler's bed, so that your child can use the crib until they are four years old.

The SnuzFino Classic Cot Bed is another cot with great style and value (PS695 Mother and Baby). Our mum testers were amazed by its sleek design, and said it was "simple but elegant and will stand the long-term". It's designed to expand with your child too and has two different heights for the mattress, so you can keep your baby raised and then lower it once they begin to sit up unaided.

When selecting a cot it is important to keep in the mind that there shouldn't be more than 25mm (1 inch) gap between the mattress and the cot's sides and ends. This is to ensure that your baby cannot escape from the cot or become trapped between the mattress and the slats. Use a mattress cover that is made of 100 organic cotton and GOTS certified to ensure that it is breathable, soft and waterproof.

Alternatively, you could go for a more technological alternative and select the SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Cot (PS355, Cuckooland). It's a great device that comes with an app that can be downloaded on mobile devices as well as a weaning feature and access to sleep consultants. However, it's expensive and could be out of reach for many parents.

Blankets at the End of The Road

If you're thinking of letting your baby sleep with a blanket in their cot or crib ensure that you have plenty of extras to rotate through the wash. This will keep the sheets fresh and clean and will prevent them from becoming too dirty and uncomfortable for your baby. Three to four sets of sheets is enough.

A good set of organic muslin blankets can allow you to change the sheets often without worrying about them becoming too dirty. They also breathe which can help keep your baby's skin healthy and happy. You can choose from a variety of sizes and shades to find the best one for your baby.

The best blankets are soft cosy and airy. A blanket that is bulky and heavy could cause your baby to choke. A blanket made of organic cotton muslin is the best choice because it is light and breathable. Another option is a thermal blanket. These are great for those balmy summer days, when your baby requires a light cover to keep them warm.


In general it is recommended you do away with blankets in your child's crib at 18 months of age or earlier if it is possible. This is because they can become dangerous if allowed to climb onto them, leading to accidents such as falls out of the crib or bed. However, if your baby is used to sleeping on blankets and has been wrapped from birth or is sleeping in a baby sleep bag it is best to leave the blanket in place until they are ready to transition to a duvet.

Many parents use a milestone blanket to mark their baby's growth and development usually with numbers that represent the age of the child. This is a wonderful method to keep your family and friends informed about the progress of your child and capture precious memories. The Monica + Andy Always Blanket is a beautiful double layer blanket that provides warmth and comfort yet is still air-conditioned.

Easy to Assemble

While a baby cot bed is one of the most essential furniture pieces for nursery however, it's also an expensive investment. As such, it's worth the effort to choose a model that looks as attractive as it is durable and practical. The most important factor to consider is that the cot should be in harmony with the overall design of the room your baby is in. You should also consider whether the cot could be converted to a toddler bed and if so, how easy it will be to accomplish.

When choosing a cot, you should select a model with sturdy frames, sturdy rails and smooth surfaces. Avoid models with curved corners, because they can create a strangulation risk. Also, be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully, and don't use any tools that could cause harm. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Ask your friend or family member to help you.

Many cots come with matching furniture for the nursery which can help connect your room. If you don't want spend a lot of cost, there are a number of excellent options for a standalone bed that are of good quality. The Elementary cot bed from John Lewis' Anyday range is a good example. It comes in a modern white finish and is constructed from solid FSC pine to provide a long-lasting choice. It also has three mattress height positions, so it's suitable from birth and can be lowered when your child is ready to begin standing (usually at about 18 months).).

Another great option is the Scandi-style Coxley cot from Stokke, which is a gorgeous hand-crafted look and a neutral grey finish that suits any room. It's simple to put together and fits through doors with standard frames, which is useful when you need to shift it around your home. With the addition of a simple kit that can transform it into a stylish toddler bed in the bench style. It's light enough to fit into a bag for when you go on vacation. Our panel of parents agreed that it was "a dream to put together" and "looks beautiful". Parents also appreciated the fact that the mattress's base can be moved up and down, allowing you to keep your baby's head elevated throughout the day and stop them from rolling over in the night.