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COT BEDS |
There are many different kinds of cots and bedding in the market for babies. Babies don't typically care about how elegant their beds seem but what is significant is that they are protected. As a result parents need to know what to look for when getting the bedroom ready for their baby. A cot will probably be your baby's bed until he is two or three years old. It should be strong and sturdy without cracked or broken slats, with no jagged points or edges. You can use your cot from the day your baby is born if you like although many parents choose a Moses basket, crib or carrycot for the first few months, so they can have their babies in the same room as them; babies can look and feel a little lost in a big cot. If this is the case, you don't need to buy a cot straightaway.
Today’s cots and cot beds often co-ordinate with a furniture collection so it is possible to have a complete room setting, usually consisting of a cot or cot bed with a wardrobe and changing station/ chest of drawers. Many manufacturers have furniture collections, our most popular being Kidsmill (from Holland) , Boori (from Australia) and Mama’s & Papa’s and East Coast from the UK. |
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Most cots have drop sides, a railing which can be lowered to make it easier to get your baby in and out. They also have an adjustable base height, which can be adjusted as your baby grows. The base can be raised to the highest position for a young baby, so that you can lift him in and out of the cot easily. The base can then be lowered when your baby is old enough to pull himself up, so that he stays secure in the cot. Most cots have two or three different base heights but two is all you really need. Infact most cots with 3 position bases are never put into the middle position, as “dad” never has enough time (or patience) to adjust it again! Many cots also have a teething rail -- a protective plastic coating -- around the edges of the cot sides, to prevent your baby chewing on the wooden slats of the cot when he is older. |
| Pros |
- Cot beds provide spacious sleeping environment for an older baby or toddler
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| Cons |
- Not really a money saver if you plan to have another baby, only the last child gets full use of the cot bed.
- No drop sides means it can be more difficult to get your baby in and out.
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Because your baby will grow and develop so quickly in his first few months and years, his sleeping needs will also change just as quickly. Moses baskets can be the best choice for the first few months, as they provide a portable and snug sleeping place. Alternatively, your baby might prefer the comforting to and fro motion of a crib. Later, at around 3 months, your baby will need to be moved into a cot or cot bed. |
| Age |
- From birth to approximately age 2 for cots and up to around 5 years for cot beds.
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| Product Features |
| Moses basket |
- Moses baskets are great for newborns, up to about 3 months, or until your baby can sit up unaided.
- They are easy to move, with handles that allow you to carry your baby from room to room with minimal disturbance.
- Smaller than a cot, they can help newborn babies feel more snug and secure.
- They also look great, as most models come trimmed with an attractive canopy and quilt.
- Some can also be fitted onto a wooden or metal stand for night-time sleeping, also to give more protection from knocks and other dangers (pets, other children etc) on the floor.
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| Cribs |
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- * Cribs are great for newborns, up to about 3 months, or until your baby can sit up unaided.
- * The smooth to and fro motion can help newborns feel more secure.
- * *A stop pin allows you to lock the crib in a fixed position, for greater stability.
- * Many wooden cribs come in a variety of colour finishes to match in with your chosen décor.
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| Cots |
- Cots can be used from birth to approximately 2 1/2 years old. But if your toddler is able to climb before this age you should consider changing to a bed sooner.
- The height of the mattress base can be adjusted so you don't have so far to reach when your baby is very small, and can be lowered as your baby gets older.
- The drop-side action makes it easy for you to use. But when it's properly closed, even the most determined toddler will have a hard time trying to operate it.
- Cots are available in a wide range of styles and prices.
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| Cot beds |
- Cot beds are excellent value as they can be used as a cot to start with and then converted into a bed.
- The two long sides can be removed to make a bed once your child is about 2 1/2 years old, and will last your child until the age of five.
- These large convertible cots can be up to 20 cm longer and 10 cm wider than most cots.
- Cot beds help ease your toddler's transfer from cot to bed.
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| Bedside cot |
- Bedside cots are ideal for parents who want their baby next to them at night but find a double bed isn't big enough. It also allows the baby to sleep safely under sheets and blankets.
- They make night feeds a lot easier.
- A multi-position mattress base allows the cot to be aligned with your mattress.
- They convert easily to a conventional cot for daytime naps or when you want to move your baby to another room.
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| Travel cots |
- If you travel a lot, these are ideal. A cot your baby is familiar with will mean sounder sleep in a strange environment.
- They have see through sides and ends, and mattresses are included.
- They are light, and quick and easy to erect and fold away.
- Most travel cots also double as a playpen.
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| Safety first |
- Make sure the gaps between the mattress and the sides and ends of the cot are less than 4 cm. Any more and your baby could trap an arm or leg.
- Ensure you use the appropriate bedding to avoid overheating.
- If you have a second hand cot or cot bed make sure it has all the fittings required to fit it together securely.
- Also if it is an old model that non- toxic paint or varnish has been used (earlier models used lead based paints) – if in doubt don’t use it.
- Cots older than 20 years may also have wider gaps between the spindles than allowed today, these pose a potential limb trap threat to your baby.
- Also remember it is advised to use a new mattress for each child that uses the cot especially if the old one has been stored for some time between uses.
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