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 look at when looking at cot beds.
Conversion method you must make sure that you understand how to convert the cot into a bed, and that it is easy and safe to do.
Adjustable base height if you wish to lower the base as he/she gets older to stop them getting out, get 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 the majority of cot beds feature fixed sides for additional safety, for some people this is not a problem but some may find it impractical and buy one with bars all the way round, especially petite people or those who struggle with back problems.
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 will not be appropriate.
Colour it is a good idea to get a cot bed that is versatile enough to match with changing bedroom styles and decors because you will most likely redecorate your baby’s bedroom as he/she gets older.
Safe paint and varnish paints and finishes on cot beds should be non-lead and be non-toxic for the safety standards of BSEN716.
Teething rails when your baby starts teething he/she is likely to start chewing on the edges of their cot, that’s why you should buy a cot bed that has teething rails, which are protective coverings on the cot that give protection to your child’s teeth and the wood.
Storage for small nurseries or those with limited storage, some cot beds feature drawers in the base.
Bedding you should buy bedding that does not have any trailing ribbons or strings of material, as well as purchasing bedding that is specifically designed for cot beds so it can be used for both a cot and a junior bed.
Here is a useful checklist with practical aspects to consider when choosing a cot bed:
- The cot is simple to transform into a bed
- It is ideal for your needs, i.e. drop side, adjustable base height, slatted
- Guarantee lasts until it changes into a bed
- Purchase the correct mattress for the cot bed
- If you need additional storage purchase a cot bed with drawers
- Corner posts must be no higher than 1.5mm
- No sharp edges, bare hardware or splintered wood
- Screws and bolts should all be present and firmly secured
Cot beds are available in a range of wooden finishes including pine, oak and white, with a variety of contempoary and tradiitonal cot bed designs to suit all preferences. We sell an excellent choice of Izziwotnot cot beds that are well designed and finished with parents’ and babies’ needs in mind.
