If You ve Just Purchased Cot Bed Sales ... Now What
Baby Cribs and Cots Sales Statistics
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The cribs and cots for babies market is divided by type of product (convertible, standard, multifunctional and portable) and distribution channel.
The SnuzFino crib was the top choice from our parent testers with mum Katrina noting "I am a huge fan of the toddler kit that really helps extend the life of this cot". It is also vacuum-rolled to make it simple to set up.
Size
There is a lot to consider when selecting the ideal bed for your child. You'll have to think about size, safety, cost, and style to ensure that you make the right choice. The most commonly used dimensions for cots are 140cm x 70cm, however this can differ among brands, so be sure to check before buying. You should also be aware of the age group that a cot is suitable for, as you might require a change to a single or toddler bed once your child is ready or even sooner.
A cot bed is a better option, as it will last longer than the standard cot and can be transformed into a toddler or small single bed once your baby is ready. This will make the transition easier for both you as well as your child and help you save money.
Cot beds come in a wide range of sizes, shapes and finishes, so it's crucial to choose the best cot bed one for your nursery cots. Choose a cot that is suitable for the space, and keep in mind that the majority of cots have removable sides to allow your Baby beds to play with toys or curl up in bed. If your nursery is small, go for a compact cot with curves to make the most of the space.
If you're unsure about the perfect suitable nursery furniture contact your friends and family who have children. They'll be able to provide invaluable information on their experiences with various models and offer suggestions based on personal experiences. You can also read online customer reviews to gain an understanding of what other parents' opinions were about the cot beds they bought.
Pine is the most commonly used material for cot beds. This is a softwood, therefore it is more susceptible to scratches and dent, but it's also highly durable and renewable. The three species of oak, birch, and beech are also hard woods that have a greater resistance to wear. Some cots are also constructed from engineered wood which combines a layer of plywood or MDF with an outer layer of wood to give an extra durable finish.
Safety
To ensure that babies are sleeping in a secure and safe environment, cots and cots-beds must meet new safety and health standards. This includes ensuring that they don't have sharp edges, and that the distance between the bars is not more than 6.5cm. This stops children from climbing out or getting trapped between them, and also means that they cannot use the bars as ladders. If you are buying a second-hand cot or an heirloom, make sure it has been cleaned thoroughly and meets current safety standards. Older cots might have been painted with lead paint, which can pose an enigma for children.
A good quality cot will be easy to assemble, with clear instructions and a minimum of tools. If you're not able to build it yourself, ask your friends and family for advice and take time to read any safety guidelines carefully. Be sure to choose a firm mattress that's not too thick and is fitted tightly without gaps. Avoid using pillows, cot bumpers, or any other soft bedding since they could cause fatal inhalation.
Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds. This can save you money and make the transition from the cot to bed as easy as possible. Some are multi-functional, with additional features such as rails for teething and storage drawers. This is a great option if you plan to have more than one child. It will save you money.
When purchasing a cot, ensure that it is within your budget and is the right size for your nursery. Consider if you'll be using it in a bedroom shared by two parents, or whether it is for your own baby's room. If the cot is located in your home take measurements to ensure that it is comfortable and isn't too close to radiators or other furniture. Also, avoid placing the cot close to window blind cords since they can become a strangulation risk.
Convenience
It's easy to get caught up in spec and safety features when you are buying for your newborn, but don't forget about convenience. If you're purchasing a cot bed you want it to be as simple to move from room to room, and even out into the garden. This is because your child will be sleeping in the cot for a longer time than you think and it's essential to make sure that it's convenient for you to use it.
You can cut down on time and money by selecting a cot that can be converted into an infant bed. This is a popular choice for parents of all ages, but it's worth bearing in mind that it's likely to be slightly more expensive than an ordinary cot.
The John Lewis Elementary cot is a good example of a high-quality cot that can be converted into a toddlerbed. The design is sleek and modern, with open slatted sides that let you observe your child easily. It also features three positions for the mattress to allow your baby to grow and teething rails for added security.
Another top pick is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that includes a variety of handy additional features. It has a storage drawer, teething rails and two height positions. This allows your baby to continue using the cot until they are ready for a toddler's bed. It also takes a standard cot mattress, however, you'll need to buy this separately.
It is also possible to consider the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed that goes one step further than simply converting into an infant bed. It can also be converted into a sofa or a daybed, giving you even more flexibility.
Another option is the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cotbed. It's a sleigh-style crib that's sleek and stylish but it may not be as practical as some of the other choices on this list. It's suitable for babies until they're 2 years old and doesn't come with an attached sheet (you have to buy this separately). However, it is easy to put together and you can also purchase matching furniture from the manufacturer.
Style
Cot beds are available in a variety of styles from traditional sleigh designs, to modern minimalist ones. The style you pick will depend on your personal tastes and the look of your nursery. You might also wish to consider extra features, like a drawer with storage underneath, teething rails, a drop side for petite infants or with health issues and the height of the cot base.
If you decide to purchase a cot with bars, it's crucial to remember that the distance between the bars should not exceed 6.5cm. Otherwise, there could be the risk of limbs being trapped. All cots and cot beds sold in the UK must meet the safety standard BS EN716-1:2008+A1:2013.
Some of the cots we tested had bars that can be removed, which allows older children to be more independent while still being safe. The Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot, for example, can be transformed into an infant or daybed by attaching an attachment kit (sold separately). This allows it to be used from birth up to the age of 4 years old.
Another alternative is the Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed that is stylish and sleek sleigh design with a handy under-bed storage drawer that keeps everything a baby needs easily accessible. It was simple to put together and has plenty of room for toys and bedding. It also comes with teething rails as well as an adjustable base which can be adjusted to three different heights.
Stokke Sleepi Cot Beds are another type of sleigh that can be transformed into a toddler bed with a junior conversion kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It's a great investment as it will last your child until they reach the age of five old. But, it's not among the most affordable cots on our list.