Cot Bed Buying Guide
A cot bed is a versatile type of bed for the arrival of your baby, as it changes from a cot into a junior bed as your child grows up. This makes a cot bed particularly useful in making the occasionally uncomfortable move between a cot to a bed easier because it means the surroundings familiar.
A toddler will usually grow out of the junior bed at around the age of five, which means a cot bed is a cost effective type of bed, as it means you won’t need to purchase a different cot and junior bed. Some cot beds also change into day beds, which means you can still use it once your child is too big for the junior bed.
Purchasing a cot bed is one of the most important decisions you will make in preparing for your little one, so you need to consider many aspects, particularly when you think your baby is likely to spend up to 20 hours a day in it and it will probably be 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 get a cot bed with an adjustable base height if you want to be able to lower the base as your baby gets bigger to stop them getting out. The majority of cot beds have two or three different levels, and it is recommended to have it high when they are young and low as they grow older for safety.
Ends solid ends are most common with cot beds because they provide additional safety, however there are some cot beds that have bars all the way around, making it easier to keep an eye on your baby but making it less cosy.
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 chooce from foam, fibre or sprung mattresses for your cot bed, and you should also consider if a wipe clean surface and removable cover is what you need. The mattress must fit snugly with no more than 4cm between the mattress and frame, and you should be able to fasten the mattress to the 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 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 useful aspects to consider when choosing a cot bed:
- The cot is easy to transform into a bed
- It is appropriate for your needs, i.e. slatted, drop side, adjustable base height
- Guarantee lasts until it changes to a bed
- Purchase the correct mattress for the cot bed
- If you need more storage buy a cot bed with drawers
- Corner posts must not be higher than 1.5mm
- No pointed edges, exposed hardware or splintered wood
- Screws and bolts must all be present and safely secured
Cot beds come in a variety of wooden colours and finishes, including oak, pine and white, as well as modern and traditional designs to match all preferences. We offer a fantastic range of cot beds from Izziwotnot that have excellent designs and beautiful finishes, with parents’ and babies’ needs in mind.
