Buying a cot or cot bed
All you need to know about buying a cot or cot bed that is safe, durable, stylish and value for money too!
Buying a cot is an investment for any family, but it is also so much more than that. The cot you choose will need to meet all safety standards, look nice in the bedroom/nursery and most of all will need to be comfortable place for babies’ calm restful sleep. It’s where your wee one will dream, nap, gurgle, babble and play their own little games. It will need to be able to cope with growth spurts and adventurous little minds who investigate everything and climb where you never thought possible. When you consider the amount of time your baby will spend sleeping and growing in the cot, you know that purchasing the right one is essential. At Baby Accessories we fully appreciate how overwhelming buying the right cot can be.
We have a huge range on offer so all needs are met and our experienced, friendly staff are on hand to give you whatever information you might need on each cot and advise on the best option for your family.
Should I put my new-born in a cot?
The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first six months is in their own cot, crib or Moses basket. They should always be in the same room as you. Evidence shows that the risk of sudden infant death syndrome is significantly reduced when an infant sleeps in their own sleeping space in the same room as their parents. You can choose between a cot, a bassinet or even a co-sleeper for your new-born. Some parents choose something small and upgrade to a bigger cot later. There is a lovely selection of smaller baby cribs on our website and in store if this is your plan. In this article, we will be looking at cots that can be used from new born right up to 3 years or whenever your little one transitions to their first bed.
What to consider when buying a cot?
Factors such as safety, the space you have for the cot and the budget will be among the first things to consider as you choose a cot. Some parents want a cot that will see their baby can grow into while others prefer something smaller that can be moved from room to room. We can advise on what is best for each situation. The standard size of almost all cots is 120cm x 60cm. This is a compact size cot for early child use in a parents’ bedroom and ideally suited size for moving into baby’s box bedroom afterwards. Cots come in all price ranges and a wide range of colours and styles to suit all wallets and home decors. All of our cots meet the EU safety standards. This gives you great peace of mind and ensures that the cots are sturdy and the bars are smooth with a distance of not less than 25mm and not more than 60mm. This will keep little heads from becoming caught between the bars. The mattress should fit snugly on all sides, with no gaps and there should be at least 500mm between the top of the cot sides and the mattress. Look for the European Standard (EN 716-1:2017) label. At Baby Accessories, we stock a wide range of mattresses to suit both the regular size cots, but we also stock some smaller and larger options for older models. A good firm mattress is as important a purchase as the cot itself. There is huge amount of bending over involved when putting baby to sleep. Our cots also have an adjustable base which will allow for three heights. From birth until baby can roll over, the highest level is used so that you may lift your little one in and out with ease. The middle height is suitable until baby can pull themselves up to standing. Once your child reaches this milestone, the lowest height should be used to keep them safely inside and give your back some ease.
A Cot Bed
A cot bed is larger than a cot but smaller than a single bed. Suitable for children from birth to 3yrs., the cot bed is a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed once baby outgrows the cot. In its cot mode, it will keep baby sleeping happily from newborn to 2.5 to 3yrs. old and once it is converted to a junior bed, it will see them happily snoozing until they are 5 or 6. The main design difference between a cot and a cot bed is the removable sides and end panel which allows for the conversion to a short, low bed. This makes the cot bed option very appealing to budget savvy parents who can see the advantages of a more long-term option. The average cot bed measures 75cm x 145cm and requires a 70cm x 140cm mattress. This is not a usual size for sheets and blankets, but we carry a variety of suitable kid friendly bedding both online and in the store. The cot bed is a good choice for families who have space in their bedrooms for a bigger cot during the first months of sharing a sleeping space and are happy to have a toddler bed already purchased for when that milestone comes. At Baby Accessories, there are lots of cot beds to choose from in all kinds of styles and colours. One of our most popular cot beds is the traditionally styled, beautifully sculpted sleigh cot bed. With its soft flowing lines and gracious curves, it’s the ultimate in nursery luxury. Made from solid pine in white and in grey. It can be easily converted into a sofa bed. This cot bed will give restful nights right up to six years old, making it excellent value.
Come and talk to our staff about whether a cot bed is a good option for your wee one. It is worth noting that sleeping in a cot bed which then changes to a bed may help smooth your child’s transition from cot to a ‘big bed’, too.
Safety Matters
Your cot should be safely and properly assembled, and the mattress should be clean, firm and flat. Putting fitted sheets on to the mattress should be a bit of a task as the harder it is for you to put the sheet on, the safer it will be for your child. Snugly fitted and with no loose edges. There should be no toys, teddies, pillows, cot bumpers or anything that might pose a choking or suffocation risk or that can be piled up by an older child and used as steps to escape the cot! Only cellular blankets are recommended as these allow air to circulate. The cot should not be too close to a radiator or direct sunlight. Babies should sleep on their back with their feet at the foot of the cot and head at the top.
If you are using an older cot or crib, it is advisable to check the safety standards. The safety precautions for cots have changed considerably over the years and older cots may have lead paint, a risk of splinters and slats or side bars that are too far apart. The distance between the slats on a cot should be no wider than 6 centimetres. They could also have drop sides which, for safety reasons are no longer used because of the potential danger of children getting stuck between the cot and the mattress or of climbing out. A hand me down or heritage cot might be offered but the investment in a new cot makes more sense in terms of your child’s safety and a good night’s sleep for the entire family.
A Trusted Brand
All of the cots we sell are from trusted brands with years of experience in combining safety, style and comfort to give you and your child the best sleep experience. Baby Elegance manufacture one the most classically stylish cots that is both practical and chic. With three heights and smooth teething rails that protect baby’s gums. The Baby Elegance Starlight Cot bundle is a great bargain for any new parent comes with mattress and 2 pack of fitted sheets which you can purchase outright or pay for over instalment, if this is more convenient for you. We also stock Valencia and Babylo Willow cots.
Babies need lots of sleep and so do their exhausted parents. Spending time choosing the right cot will go a long way to restful nights and easier days. Call in or browse online and as always, feel free to ask any questions about Baby Accessories cots, sheets, and mattresses.
