Best Cot Beds

Choosing baby sleeping furniture is an exciting part of preparing for a new baby. More than ever, there are so many sleeping options for newborns such as a Moses basket, a cradle or even a crib.

Most parents prefer a cot or cot beds from day 1. Most people cannot tell apart a cot from a cot bed. They might look similar, but they are pretty much different. How can you tell the difference? Is a cot bed superior to a cot? Let's find out.

What is a Cot Bed?

A cot bed is designed like a cot but with added features such as casters, teething rails, under-cot drawers, headboard and footboard which are missing features on a cot.

A cot is ideal to use from birth to 2 years while a cot bed can last your toddler up to 5 years. The removable bars and side panels of a cot bed allow you to transform it into a low, short bed for your toddler.

A cot bed is more spacious than a cot but slightly smaller than a single bed. You need a specific mattress and bedding if you intend to buy a cot bed.

Examples of cot beds include drop sided cot beds with rails on one side of the bed for easy access of the baby. There are also sleigh beds that are shaped like a sleigh or sled. They can either be drop-side or fixed rail with removable side rails to transform it into a toddler bed.

Top sites to buy Cot Bed:

Some of the best websites that will guarantee you cot beds at the best price and quality include:

Wayfair

Wayfair consists of a rich and gorgeous variety of cot beds to suit your little one. These elegant and beautiful designs come in tasteful finishes and vibrant colours to add an extra pop of amazing decor to your toddler’s bedroom.

Amazon

Shop a huge selection of bestseller brands on Amazon. They have a rich menu of cot beds to suit your needs. Some even come with mosquito netting to keep your baby safe at night. You get to choose a wide selection of top-rated cot beds at affordable prices to suit your budget needs.

eBay

eBay has a great database of cot beds, cot bedding sets and rich colourful designs at affordable prices. You also get to bid on beds on this site. What’s even better is their sleigh styled cot beds and cot bed mattresses on sale. eBay is definitely your one-stop shop for all your baby’s needs.

Walmart

Walmart has a limited selection of bed cots compared to other online stores. Definitely not an ideal choice if you want to browse through a variety of cot beds.

What are the differences between Cot and Cot Bed?

A cott bed has removable side bars and an end panel. The end panel converts the cot bed into a short, low bed fit for your toddler. A cot bed is also larger than a cot, but it’s smaller compared to a single bed.

If you intend to get your toddler a cot bed, you will need to buy a specific mattress and bedding designed for it which kind of makes it expensive. But you get double its use making it quite cost effective than a regular cot.

A cot bed is spacious compared to a regular cot, but if you live in a small apartment, it’s going to take up too much floor space, so you’re better off with a cot.

What are the main features of Cot Bed?

There are distinct core features of a cot bed missing in a regular cot including:

Size

A bed cot is larger and more spacious than a cot though it is smaller in size than a single bed. You can transform it into a small toddler bed. Most cot beds tend to be around 145 X 75 cm while standard cots are 69 X 130 cm.

Adjustable base height

A folding cot bed has adjustable heights from the base to suit your toddler as he/she grows. They come in 3 adjustable base positions with the highest position suitable for the first couple of months. You can lift your baby in and out with ease.

The middle height position is suitable for when the baby starts rolling, and you want to keep them safe by preventing the risk of falling.

The final and lowest base position is suitable for when your little one can sit up unaided. It is the safest position. The adjustable height is essential to avoid mothers from suffering or worsening their back problems.

Teething rails

At some point, your little one will start teething and begin chewing on everything including the side rails on the cot bed. Cot beds are made of non-toxic protective teething rails to ensure the cot bed does not splinter or peel vanish while protecting the delicate gums and teeth of your baby.

Safety

It is crucial that your cot bed comply with British and European safety standards. It should be certified and approved by reputable international laboratories such as SGS (Switzerland origin) and Intertek (UK origin).

Maneuverability

Most cot beds have been mounted with casters or wheels on their legs. These wheels make it easier to move around the them around to different rooms. Additionally, they make cleaning under and around the cot bed more easier and comfortable.

Pros and Cons of Bed Cots:

Pros:

• Removable sidebars
• Adjustable base height
• Grows with your child- you can use it from birth up to 5 years
• Cost-effective

Cons:

• More expensive than purchasing a regular cot- cots cost around £50 while cot beds cost around £70.
• Larger and spacious than a regular cot- not suitable if you have limited floor space

Summary

A cot bed is the ultimate money saver with up to 5 years guaranteed service for your little one. These beds are spacious with added safety features to keep your baby safe. They can be quite expensive than some other toddler beds such as cribs and cots, and they do hog for space in your bedroom. But their spaciousness, safety, and cost-effectiveness give you a bang for your buck.

There are tons of providers in the market. Keep in mind the quality specs of a top quality folding cot bed and only source from reputable brands. The material used should be baby-friendly and safety features provide greater convenience.

You want to ensure you choose a durable, safe and easy to use folding cot bed.

All Related Topics

Buying Beds Online

Bed Styles & Types

Upholstered bed | Camping bed | Swing bed | Triple bunk bed | Low loft bed | Pull out bed | Sleigh bed | Cot bed | Round bed | Floating bed | Captain's bed | Floor bed | panel bed | Portable bed | Princess bed | Fold up bed | Four poster bed | Futon bunk bed | Indoor hammock bed | Wood bed frame

Bed Sizes

Twin over queen bunk bed | Twin platform bed | Twin XL bed | Queen storage bed | King platform bed | Full size platform bed | Full size loft bed | Twin XL bed frame | Queen size loft bed

Bed Accessories

Bed table | Bed desk | Bed tray | Bed rest pillow | Toddler bed rails | Bed bench | Bed slats