Blog entry by Megan Dick
Baby Cribs and Cots Sales Statistics
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The baby cribs and cots market is classified by type of product (convertibles, traditional, portable multifunctional, standard) and distribution channel.
The SnuzFino cot bed was the top choice of our parents who tested it, with mum Katrina noting "I love the toddler set - it really helps to prolong the life of this cot". It's also vacuum-rolled making it easy to put together.
Size
There's plenty to consider when selecting the right bed for your little one. To make the best crib newborn decision you must think about safety and style, cost and size. Check the dimensions of your cot prior to you purchase. The most commonly used dimensions are 140cm by 70cm. However, this may differ from brand to brand. You should also be aware of the age range that a cot is suitable for as you may require a change to an infant bed or a single bed when your child is ready, or even earlier.
A cot-bed is a flexible option since it can be converted into a toddler bed or small cot beds single bed once your baby is old enough. This will make the transition easier for both you and your child and will save you money in the long time.
Cot beds come in a variety of dimensions, shapes, and finishes. It is important to select the right one for your nursery. Pick a cot that is suitable for your space. Also, remember that most cots come with removable sides so that your child can play with toys in bed or even sit up. If your nursery cots is small, opt for a compact cot with curves to make the most of the space.
If you're unsure about the perfect model for your nursery, reach out to friends and family who have children. They can provide valuable insights about their experiences with different models and provide recommendations from personal experience. You can also read online customer reviews to get a better understanding of what other parents' opinions were about the cot beds they bought.
Cot beds are available in a range of materials and pine is the most popular. It's a softwood, therefore it is more susceptible to scratches and dent, but it's also highly renewable and extremely durable. Other options include birch, beech and oak which are hard woods that provide more resistance to wear and tear. Some cots are made from engineered wood. It is a mixture of MDF or plywood with a veneer to create a more durable surface.
Safety
To ensure that babies sleep in a safe and secure environment, cots and cots-beds must meet new safety and health standards. These include ensuring that they do not have sharp edges and that the distance between the bars is no greater than 6.5cm. This will stop infants from climbing through or getting trapped between the bars. Also, they shouldn't use them as ladders. If you are buying an antique or second-hand cot, it is important to make sure it conforms to the current safety standards and has been thoroughly cleaned. Older cots might have been sprayed with lead paint, which can pose dangerous for children.
A good quality cot will be easy to assemble with clear instructions and a minimum of tools. Ask your family members and friends for assistance should you be unsure about building the cot by yourself. Also make sure to carefully read all safety instructions. Also, make sure that you have a sturdy mattress for your cot that is well-fitted with no gaps and is not too deep. Avoid using cot bumpers, pillows or any other soft bedding as they can cause fatal death from suffocation.
Some cots are designed to convert into toddler beds, saving you money in the long run, and making the transition between the bed and cot as seamless as is possible. Some are multi-functional and include additional features like rails for teething or storage drawers. If you are planning to have more than one child this is a great option because it will save you money in the future.
When purchasing a cot, ensure that it is within your budget and is the right size for your nursery. Consider whether you will be using it in a shared bedroom or intended for your own child's room. If you plan to put the cot in your bedroom be sure that it is placed comfortably. Also, make sure that it is not too close or blocked by radiators or furniture. Do not place the cot too close to window blind cords, since they could be a strangulation hazard.
Convenience
When you're shopping for a baby, it's easy to focus on safety and features. But don't forget the ease of use. You need to ensure that the cot bed you purchase is easy to move from room to room and even to the garden. This is because your child will be sleeping in the cot longer than you think, and it's important to make sure that it's suitable for you.
One of the biggest convenience actions you can take is to select a cot that can be converted into a toddler bed and saves you the cost and hassle of investing in another piece of furniture later. It's a popular option for parents of all ages, but it's worth bearing in mind that it will probably be slightly more expensive than an ordinary cot.
The John Lewis Elementary cot, which can be converted into a toddler bed, is a great example of a cot that has an outstanding value. The design is sleek and contemporary with slatted sides that allow you to easily check on your child. It also has three positions for the mattress to allow your baby to grow, as well as teething rails for extra security.
Another top pick is the Mamas & Papas Franklin cot that comes with all sorts of useful accessories. It comes with a drawer for storage and teething rails as well as two height positions. This lets your baby continue using the cot until they're ready for a toddler's bed. It also takes a standard cot mattress, but you'll need to buy this separately.
It is also possible to consider the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed which goes a step further than the conversion to an infant bed. It can also be converted into a daybed or sofa which gives you more flexibility.
Another alternative is the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cotbed. It's a chic sleigh cot, but it may not be as useful as other alternatives. It's not suitable for infants under 2 years old and it doesn't include an attached sheet. It's simple to put together and you can also purchase matching furniture from this brand.
Style
Cot beds are available in a variety of styles from traditional sleigh designs, to modern minimalist ones. The style you pick will be based on your personal preferences and the look of your nursery. You might also want to consider extra features, like a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails, drop sides for smaller infants or with health issues and the size of the base of the cot.
If you choose a cot-bed with bars, it's important to remember that the distance between the bars should not exceed 6.5cm. Otherwise there's a risk of limbs being stuck. All cots and cot beds sold in the UK must meet the safety standard BS EN716-1:2008+A1:2013.
Many of the cots we tested come with removable bars, which provide greater freedom for older children, while still making sure they are safe. For example, the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot can be transformed into a day or toddler bed by affixing a conversion kit (sold separately). This lets it be used from birth until the age of four years.
The Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed is a different option. It's a fashionable sleigh bed that features a handy under-bed storage compartment that can keep all baby essentials at the ready. Our tester described it as being easy to put together, and also found that it had plenty of space for toys and bedding. It comes with teething bars and an adjustable base that can be adjusted to three different heights.
Stokke Sleepi Cot Beds are a different design that can be converted into a toddler bed with the junior conversion kit (sold separately) and mattress extender. It's a good investment as it will last your child until they are five years old. However, it is not one of the most affordable cots on our list.