Why We Love Cot Bed Sales (And You Should Also!)
Baby Cribs and Cots Sales Statistics
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The Baby Crib cribs and cots market is segmented by type of product (convertible, standard, multifunctional and portable) and distribution channel.
The SnuzFino crib was the top pick of our parent testers, with mom Katrina noting "I am a huge fan of the toddler kit - it really helps to extend the life of this cot". It's also vacuum-rolled so it's easy to set up.
Size
There's a lot to consider when selecting the ideal bed for your little one. You'll need to take into consideration the size, safety, cost and design to ensure that you make the right choice. Be sure to check the dimensions of your cot before you buy. The most common dimensions are 140cm by 70cm. However, this can vary from brand to brand. You should also be aware of the age range in which a cot is suitable. This will help you decide if it is time to upgrade your child to a single bed or toddler bed once they are ready.
A cot bed is a better option, as it will last longer than a standard cot and can be converted into a toddler or small single bed when your child is ready. This will make the transition easier for you and your child and help you save money.
Cot beds come in many different sizes, shapes and colors. It's important to choose the best one for your nursery. Find a model that will fit in with your space, and bear in mind that a majority of cots have removable sides to allow your baby to play with toys or sit in the bed. If your nursery is small, look for a compact cot with curves to make the most of your space.
If you're not sure about the ideal suitable nursery furniture, reach out to relatives and friends who have children. They can offer valuable insight into their personal experiences with various models, and offer suggestions based on their own experience. You can also read online customer reviews to gain an understanding of what other parents' opinions were about the cot beds they purchased.
Cot beds can be found in a variety of materials and pine is the most popular. It's a soft material which means it's more prone to dents and scratches, however, it's also a renewable material and incredibly sturdy. The three species of oak, birch and beech are hard woods that are more resistant to wear. Some cots are constructed from engineered wood which combines a layer of plywood or MDF with a veneer of wood to make a more durable finish.
Safety
Cots and cot beds must be in compliance with the latest health and safety standards to ensure that babies are sleeping in a safe and secure environment. They must also be free of sharp edges and the distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm. This will prevent children from climbing over or becoming trapped between the bars. They also cannot use them as a ladder. If you are buying a second-hand cot, or an antique, ensure it has been properly cleaned and is up to date with safety standards. Older cots could have been sprayed with lead paint, which can be dangerous for children who are just starting out.
A good quality cot will be simple to put together, with clear instructions and a minimum of tools. Ask your family and friends for help if you're not confident in assembling the cot by yourself. Also, take the time to carefully read the safety guidelines. Make sure you use a firm mattress that is not too thick and is firmly fitted without gaps. Avoid using cot bumpers, pillows or any other type of soft bedding, as they could cause fatal death from suffocation.
Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds. This will reduce costs and make the transition from cot to bed as smooth as you can. Some are multifunctional and have extra features such as rails for teething or storage drawers. This is a great choice for parents who plan to have more than one child. It will help you save money.
When looking for a cot, search for one that fits your budget and the dimensions of your nursery. If you are buying a crib for your baby's nursery, consider whether it is going to be utilized in a room shared by two people or if it will be within your own bedroom. If the cot is located in your home, measure the space to ensure it fits comfortably and isn't too close to radiators or other furniture. Avoid placing the cot close to window blind cords because they could pose an injury to strangulation.
Convenience
When buying for your baby, it's easy to focus on safety and spec features. But don't forget the ease of use. If you're purchasing a crib you want it to be as easy to move from room to room and even into the garden. This is because your baby could be in the crib for a longer period of time than you believe.
One of the biggest convenience actions you can take is to choose a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed which will save you the expense and hassle of buying another piece of furniture in the future. This is a popular choice for many parents, however it's worth bearing in mind that it will probably be slightly more expensive than a standard cot.
The John Lewis Elementary cot is an excellent example of a great value crib that can convert into a toddler bed. The design is modern and simple with slatted sides that allow you to easily monitor your child. It also features three mattress height positions to allow your baby to grow and teething rails to provide additional security.
Another top pick is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot, which comes with all sorts of handy accessories. In addition to a convenient storage drawer and rails for teething, it has two height positions to allow your child to continue to use the cot right up until they're ready for toddler bed. It will also take an ordinary cot-sized mattress but you'll need to purchase this separately.
You could also consider the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed that goes a step further than simply converting into a toddler bed. It can be converted into an ottoman or a daybed, giving you more flexibility.
Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cotbed is another option. This is a stylish sleigh cot, however it's not as practical as other alternatives. It's not suitable for infants less than 2 years old, and it doesn't include a fitted sheet. It's also easy to put together and you can also purchase furniture that matches from the manufacturer.
Style
Cot beds are available in all sorts of different styles from traditional sleigh designs to modern minimalist designs. Your personal preferences and the style of your nursery will determine which style you choose. You may be thinking about additional features like an under-bed storage space rails for teething or dropping sides for babies.
If you decide to purchase a cot with bars, it's important to keep in mind that the distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm. Otherwise there is a possibility of limbs becoming trapped. All cots and cot beds sold in the UK must meet the safety standard BS EN716-1:2008+A1:2013.
A number of the cots that we tested come with removable bars, which provide more freedom to older children, while protecting them. For example the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot can be transformed into a toddler bed or day bed by affixing an adapter kit (sold separately). This allows it to be used from birth up to the age of 4 years old.
Another option is the Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed, which is a stylish and sleek-looking design with a convenient under-bed storage drawer that keeps all the essentials for babies 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 height positions.
Stokke Sleepi Cot Beds are another type of sleigh that can be transformed into a toddler bed with the junior conversion kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It's a good investment because it will last until they are five years old. But, it's not one of the most affordable cots on our list.