A cot bed is a practical choice of bed for the arrival of your little one, as it converts from a cot into a junior bed as your child grows. This makes a cot bed especially helpful in making the sometimes traumatic transition from a cot to an exposed bed easier and more bearable, as it makes the surroundings more familiar.
A toddler will typically grow out of the junior bed about the age of five, which means a cot bed is a cost effective choice of bed, as it means you won’t have to buy a separate cot and junior bed. Some cot beds also transform into day beds, so you can still make use of it once your child has fully grown out of it.
Buying a cot bed is one of the most important decisions you will make in preparation for your baby, so you need to consider many points, especially when you consider your baby is likely to spend up to 20 hours a day in a coy bed and will be in your home for up to six years. Here are some important points to consider when buying your cot bed.
Conversion method – you should check that you know how to convert the cot into a bed, and that it is safe and easy to do so.
Adjustable base height – if you want to gradually lower the base as he/she gets bigger to stop them getting out, ensure you buy a cot bed that has an adjustable base height. Most cot beds have two or three different settings, it is recommended to have it highest when they are small and lower as they grow for safety.
Ends – solid ends are most common with cot beds, as they give extra safety, however there are some with bars all the way around that make it easier to keep an eye on your baby but make it less cosy.
Fixed or drop sides – most cot beds have fix sides for extra safety, for some this will not be a problem but others may find it impractical and opt for ones with bars all the way round, especially if you are petite and struggle to lift your baby over the side.
Space of slats – it is essential to make sure 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.
Teething rails – when your baby starts teething he/she is likely to start biting on the edges of their cot, that’s why you should choose a cot bed with teething rails that are protective coverings on the cot edges that give both protection to your child’s teeth and the wooden cot.
Storage – if you have a small nursery or limited storage, some cot beds have useful integrated drawers in the base.
Mattress – you can choose from foam, fibre or sprung mattresses for cot beds, you should consider if you require a wipe clean surface and removable covers. The mattress should fit snugly with less than a 4cm dap between the mattress and frame, and you should be able to secure the mattress to head and foot ends. If your baby has asthma or allergies, a fibre mattress may not be suitable.
Colour – it is practical to buy a cot bed that is versatile enough to match with different bedroom styles and decors, as you’re likely to redecorate your baby’s bedroom as he/she gets older.
Safe paint and varnish – paints and finishes and cot beds must have a non-lead base and be non-toxic to the requited safety standard or BSEN716.
Bedding – you should choose bedding that does not have any trailing ribbons or strings of material, as well as buying bedding designed for cot beds so it can be used for a cot and a junior bed.
Here is a useful checklist with essential points to consider when buying a cot bed:
- The cot is easy to turn into a bed
- It is suitable for your requirements, i.e. drop side, adjustable base height, slatted
- Guarantee lasts until it turns into a bed
- Buy the correct mattress for the cot bed
- If you require extra storage buy a cot bed with drawers
- Corner posts should be no higher than 1.5mm
- No sharp edges, exposed hardware or splintered wood
- Screws and bolts should all be present and tightly secured
Cot beds come in a variety of wooden colours and finishes, including oak, pine and white, as well as contemporary and traditional styles to suit all tastes and preferences. We have an extensive choice of Izziwotnot cot beds that are both well designed and finished with parents and babies in mind.
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