The Ultimate Guide to Cot Beds

Finding a bed for babies can be a laborious task, as you need it to include many safety features and comforting features. The main problem is that children grow up at a very high base, which makes the bed unusable after a very short period of time.

Cot Beds presents a solution to that issue; it functions as a regular cot bed with all the useful features it has, but once your kid outgrows it, you can convert it into a toddler bed, which lengthens its usability and prevents you from buying a larger bed.

What is a cot bed?

A cot bed is a special type of bed frame that is similar to regular cots, with one crucial difference, which is that it can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the side rails, so your kids can still use it after they get older.

Pros of cot beds

Convertibility

One of the definitive features of a cot bed is its ability to be turned into a small bed by removing the side and the panel, so it can be converted to a toddler bed when your child grows older, and a toddler bed is bigger and can accommodate older kids.

Durable

Cot beds are known to be quite long-lasting, as they tend to be sturdy and durable. Besides that, they could last longer than traditional cots, as they can be converted into a bigger toddler bed for your kid to use.

Safe

Cot beds are considered one of the safest places that you can keep your baby. That’s because there are many safety measures to ensure that your baby won’t roll out, overheat, or get stuck in the bed due to features such as the depth of the bed, the metal rails, and the solid foot and headboard.

Variety of styles

There are many styles, designs, and materials for cot beds to choose from; whether you’re looking for a premium and luxurious cot bed or an affordable one, you’ll definitely find a cot bed that fits all your needs and complements the style of your room.

Compact size

Cot beds are compact and small in size, which can easily fit in any room. They can even fit beside a larger bed in a bedroom if you’re a parent and want your baby to sleep in a cot beside your bed, so you can keep an eye on him while he’s asleep.

Cons of cot beds

Initial cost

Cot beds are more expensive than regular cots or cribs; however, if you’re looking at it from the investment angle, you’ll find that in the long run, you’re actually saving money because cot beds can be converted into a toddler bed, so you won’t have to buy a new bed once your kid gets older.

Large and Bulky

Cot beds are larger than regular cots because they can be converted into a bed once you remove the side rails and the headboards, which makes them a bit bulky and hard to move. This could mess up the aesthetics of your room.

Limited mattress options

There are only certain types of mattresses and certain sizes of mattresses that are compatible with cot beds, which might be an issue for some people who want a specific mattress for their kids.

Not suitable for co-sleeping

It’s not recommended for babies to co-sleep in a cot bed, as they could be trapped between the side rails and their sleeping partner. When you convert the cot bed into a toddler bed, it becomes bigger, which is not suitable for small children, and you also lose many of the safety features.

Who should and shouldn’t get a Cot bed?

Those who will benefit from a Cot bed

• Parents looking for long-term use: A cot bed can be used as a cot for babies and young children just like a regular cot, but once your kids outgrow it, you can transform it into a small toddler bed, which makes it live twice as long as a regular cot.
• Space-conscious parents: Cot beds are a great option for anyone living in a small apartment and wanting to maximize the space in their house, as they’re compact in size and can easily fit in any room without taking up much space.
• Safety-conscious parents: There are many safety precautions to ensure the well-being of the babies sleeping on the cot bed, such as the side metal rails. The bed also regulates the temperature to prevent any chance of overheating.
• Budget-conscious parents: Even though cot beds are more expensive than regular cots, that doesn’t make them a bad investment, as they will last way longer than regular cots and can still be used even after your kids grow up, as they can be transformed into a toddler bed.
• Those prioritizing flexibility: Cot beds can be converted into small beds, so people who are looking for flexible beds for kids will find it to be a great option.

Those who Might not benefit from a Cot bed

• Parents co-sleeping with their child: Cot beds are not meant for adults to sleep on, so if you want to co-sleep with your baby, then cot beds are not the best option. However, cot beds are small and can easily fit beside your bed, which makes it possible to sleep in the same room as your kid and keep an eye on them during the night.
• Parents of tall or active children: If your kid is taller than the usual height of children his age, he might not be comfortable in a cot bed, and if he likes to move around a lot, he might feel a bit trapped by the side rails of the bed.
• Parents on a tight budget: Because of their many features and their convertibility, cot beds are more expensive than regular cots, which might present a problem if you’re on a budget.

What to put inside the cot bed?

Cot bumpers and comforters

For many years it was common knowledge that cot bumpers make the sleeping area more comfortable for babies, but recently studies started to show that the clearer the sleeping surface is, the better, so it’s not recommended to use cot bumpers and comforters in cot beds.

Pillows, blankets and duvets

Pillows, blankets, and duvets are a great addition to the cot bed, as they can provide extra comfort and warmth to the baby, however, avoid using them if your kid is less than 12 months old, as it could become a suffocation hazard.

Mattress

Mattresses are one of the pillars of getting a restful sleep at night, so make sure to get a high-quality mattress that fits the size of your bed perfectly, in addition to being firm so it won’t let the baby sink in and makes it harder for him to move.

Safe sleeping positions

The best sleeping position for any babies under 12 months is on their back, so make sure to always place your babies on their back inside the cot bed, and if it happens that they start rolling to their side, make sure to return them to the back-sleeping position.

What kind of cot mattress should I use?

Fitting

One of the most important factors that you need to take into consideration while purchasing your cot bed mattress is the fitting of the mattress, as it needs to fit your bed properly, or it could present a risk for your baby to be stuck between the mattress and the bed frame.

Material

There are many types of material for cot beds, from foam to innerspring, and while choosing the best mattress for your baby you have to make sure that your kid doesn’t develop any allergic reaction from the material of the mattress, and that it provides for him the comfort and feel that he require for a better sleeping experience.

Number of mattresses

If you’re on a budget, and you already chose cot beds instead of regular cots albeit the extra cost, because of its convertibility, make sure that the bed doesn’t require a different mattress once it’s converted, which will force you to buy two mattresses instead of one, which will be more costly of course.

Features of a Cot Bed

Cot converts into a junior bed

The biggest selling point of a cot bed is that it can be converted into a toddler bed, which makes it possible for your kids to use it once they outgrow the cot size.

Adjustable base position

Most cot beds include an adjustable base which allows you to control the height of the bed, so as the baby grows older you can adjust the height of the bed and minimize the risk of your kid rolling out of the bed.

Teething rail

Kids tend to chew the railing of the bed while they’re teething, that’s why the cot bed has a plastic rail cover which not only prevents any damage to the outer surface of the bed, but it also keeps the babies from swallowing harmful materials or splinters.

Storage

Some cot beds come with a storage unit underneath the bed, which is especially helpful in small apartments or tiny homes, as this storage unit maximizes the space in the room.

Removable side bars

The side rails of the cot bed are one of the key safety majors that keep the baby from rolling out of the bed, however, they also can be detached in cot beds so you can easily get the baby in and out of the bed.

Cot Bed Safety Tips

• Make sure that the room you install the bed in is well-ventilated and with a suitable temperature to prevent any heat build-up.
• Make sure that the mattress fits perfectly on the cot bed, and avoid buying a used mattress, as a new mattress will last longer and will provide better sleep for your baby.
• Your mattress should be firm so it won’t be hard for the baby to move around.
• Always place the babies on their back, never place them on their sides as their shoulders might hurt and can even be harmed, and if they rolled by themselves to their side, gently roll them to the back-sleeping position.
• Read the instructions carefully and make sure that you assemble the bed in the right way.

How To Choose A Cot Bed

Price range

Make sure that cot beds are within your price range, as they can be more expensive than regular cots, however, they also last longer due to their convertibility.

Style and features

One of the drawbacks of cot beds is that they tend to be bulky and might not fit with your existing decor, so make sure to get a cot bed that will blend in with your room.

Also, keep in mind that not all cot beds come with the same features, so you have to know which features you prefer and find a cot bed that includes them.

Room space

Make sure that you have the space for the cot bed in the room before purchasing one. Although cot bed tend to be compact and can easily fit any room, it’s important to find a suitable place for them before buying one.

Safety

Safety majors are a crucial factor that determines the quality of your cot bed, since the cot bed will only be used by little children, it’s vital to ensure that the cot bed minimizes any chance of them getting harmed as much as possible.

FAQs

How much do cot beds cost?

Cot beds’ price range varies according to a few elements such as their size, material, and features, and they tend to be more expensive than regular cots, however, because they can be converted into a junior bed it will last twice as long as regular cots, making it worth the extra price.

How do I know the cot bed I’m buying is safe?

Make sure that it’s sturdy, and that the sidebars are locked in and have a healthy distance between them, so your baby’s head won’t get stuck. Make sure that the mattress snuggly fits the bed and there’s no space between the mattress and the bed frame.

What’s the difference between a cot, cot bed, and Moses basket?

Cots are similar to cot beds, the only difference is that a cot bed can be converted to a junior bed when your child outgrows it, however, Moses baskets are intended for newborns, and once they get a bit older they can start using cots.

When should I change my cot height?

There are usually 3 height levels for cot beds, the first one which is the highest one is used one the baby can’t still move, but once the baby starts to move you need to lower the bed to prevent him from rolling out of the bed, and when he grows a bit older, you can lower the bed to the lowest level, so the baby can hold on to the side rails of the bed and can even stand up on the bed.

When should I start using a cot bed?

In its cot form, you can use it from birth until two years old; however, when it’s converted into a toddler bed, you can use it for another two years.

How do I introduce my baby to a cot bed?

You can begin by making your baby take small naps in the cot bed before fully transitioning your baby to the cot bed. You can also keep the cot bed in the same room as you, which makes the baby feel more safe and lets you keep an eye on the baby during the night.

Do cot beds come with mattresses?

Yes, because cot beds have unique shapes and styles, they usually come with their own mattress that perfectly fits them; however, some models don’t come with a mattress.

How easy is it to convert a cot bed into a toddler bed?

Converting the cot bed into a toddler bed is pretty easy and simple; you just need to remove the side rail on one of the sides of the bed and then attach a smaller rail to that side. Each cot bed is different and could have a different conversion method, so make sure to read the instructions before converting the bed.

Can a cot bed be used for twins?

A twin can co-sleep in the same cot bed; however, it’s not very advisable because of how little their sleeping surface becomes. If you decide to do that, then avoid using bedding or any comforters to eliminate the risk of them suffocating.

Conclusion

Cot beds are great beds for children and babies, as they are safe, have an adjustable base, and most importantly, can be converted into a toddler bed, which is their biggest selling point, as it makes them last twice as long as regular cots. But keep in mind that this also makes them a bit more expensive than regular cots, so if you’re on a budget, you need to judge whether you’d want to invest in a cot bed or go with the more affordable regular cot.