A cot bed is a practical style of bed for the arrival of your baby because it transforms from a cot into a junior bed as your child gets older. This makes a cot bed especially useful in making the occasionally traumatic transition from a cot to a bed easier and more bearable because it makes the surroundings more familiar.
A toddler will generally grow out of a junior bed at about five years old, which makes a cot bed a cost effective choice of bed, as it means you don’t need to buy a different cot and junior bed. Some cot beds also transform into day beds, so you can use it after your child has grown out of it.
Buying a cot bed is one of the most important purchases you will make in the prepation for your baby, that’s why you need to look at many aspects, particularly when you think that your baby will spend up to 20 hours a day in a cot and it will probably be a piece of furniture in your home for up to six years. Here are some useful points to consider when looking at cot beds.
Conversion method you should ensure that you know how to convert the cot into a bed, and that it is safe and easy to do.
Adjustable base height if you want to lower the base as he/she gets bigger to prevent them getting out, buy a cot bed that has an adjustable base height. Most cot beds have two or three different levels, and it is recommended to have it high when they are small and low as they grow for safety.
Ends solid ends are more common on cot beds, mainly because they give extra safey and a better sleeping area, however, some cot beds have bars all around to make it easier to see your baby.
Fixed or drop sides most cot beds have fixed sides for extra safety, for some this will not be a problem but others may find it difficult and choose for one with bars all the way round, particularly if you are petite or struggle to lift your baby over the side.
Space of slats it is necessary to ensure your baby’s head cannot get stuck between the railings, the UK recommendation is that the spaces between slats must be 45-65mm and less than 60mm wide in the mattress base.
Mattress you can select foam, fibre or sprung mattresses for cot beds, and you should decide if ae a wipe clean surface and removable covers would be usefl. The mattress should fit snugly with less than a 4cm gap between the mattress and frame, and you must be able to secure the mattress to head and foot ends. If your baby has asthma or allergies, a fibre mattress is not appropriate.
Colour it is cost effective to buy a cot bed that is versatile enough to match with different bedroom styles and decors because you will most likely redecorate your baby’s bedroom as he/she gets older or even move house.
Safe paint and varnish paints and finishes on cot beds should be non-lead and non-toxic to the neccessary safety standards of BSEN716.
Teething rails when your baby begins teething he/she is will probably start chewing on the cot, so you should get a cot bed that has teething rails, these are protective coverings on the cot that protect your child’s teeth as well as the wood.
Storage if you have a compact nursery or limited storage, some cot beds have practical integrated drawers in the base.
Bedding you should purchase bedding that does not have any ribbons or strings of material, as well as buying bedding that is specifically made for cot beds so it can be used for both a cot and a junior bed.
Here is a practical checklist with necessary aspects to consider when choosing a cot bed:
- The cot is easy to transform into a bed
- It is ideal for your needs, i.e. drop side, slatted, adjustable base height
- Guarantee lasts until it changes to a bed
- Buy the correct mattress for the cot bed
- If you need more storage buy a cot bed with drawers
- Corner posts must be no taller than 1.5mm
- No pointed edges, exposed hardware or splintered wood
- Screws and bolts should all be present and firmly secured
Cot beds come in a all kinds of wooden colours and finishes, including oak, pine and white, as well as some great contempoary and traditional styles to suit all tastes. We have a fantastic range of cot beds from Izziwotnot that have excellent designs and beautiful finishes, with parents’ and babies’ needs in mind.
