A cot bed is a useful type of bed for the arrival of your baby, as it changes from a cot into a junior bed as your child grows up. This makes a cot bed especially useful in making the occasionally traumatic transition from a cot to a bed easier and more bearable because it makes the surroundings more familiar.

A toddler will generally grow out of a junior bed at about five years old, which makes a cot bed a cost effective choice of bed, as it means you don’t need to buy a different cot and junior bed. Some cot beds also change into day beds, which means you can still use it once your child is too big for the junior bed.

Purchasing a cot bed is one of the most important decisions you will make in preparing for your little one, so you need to consider many aspects, particularly when you think your baby is likely to spend up to 20 hours a day in it and it will probably be in your home for up to six years. Here are some useful aspects to consider when looking at cot beds.

Conversion method you must make sure that you understand how to convert the cot into a bed, and that it is easy and safe to do.

Adjustable base height get a cot bed with an adjustable base height if you want to be able to lower the base as your baby gets bigger to stop them getting out. The majority of cot beds have two or three different levels, and it is recommended to have it high when they are young and low as they grow older for safety.

Ends solid ends are most common with cot beds because they provide additional safety, however there are some cot beds that have bars all the way around, making it easier to keep an eye on your baby but making it less cosy.

Fixed or drop sides most cot beds have fixed sides for extra safety, for some this will not be a problem but others may find it difficult and choose for one with bars all the way round, particularly if you are petite or struggle to lift your baby over the side.

Space of slats it is necessary to ensure your baby’s head cannot get stuck between the railings, the UK recommendation is that the spaces between slats must be 45-65mm and less than 60mm wide in the mattress base.

Mattress you can select foam, fibre or sprung mattresses for cot beds, and you should decide if ae a wipe clean surface and removable covers would be usefl. The mattress must fit snugly with no more than 4cm between the mattress and frame, and you should be able to fasten the mattress to the head and foot ends. If your baby has asthma or allergies, a fibre mattress may not be appropriate.

Colour it is cost effective to buy a cot bed that is versatile enough to match with different bedroom styles and decors because you will most likely redecorate your baby’s bedroom as he/she gets older or even move house.

Safe paint and varnish paints and finishes on cot beds must be non-lead based and be non-toxic to the required safety standards of BSEN716.

Teething rails when your baby begins teething he/she is will probably start chewing on the cot, so you should get a cot bed that has teething rails, these are protective coverings on the cot that protect your child’s teeth as well as the wood.

Storage for small nurseries or those with limited storage, some cot beds feature drawers in the base.

Bedding you should get bedding specifically made for cot beds so it fits a cot and junior bed, while also not buying bedding with trailing ribbons or strings of material.

Here is a practical checklist with necessary aspects to consider when choosing a cot bed:

• The cot is simple to turn into a bed
• It is ideal for your requirements, i.e. drop side, adjustable base height, slatted
• Guarantee continues until it changes to a bed
• Purchase the correct mattress for the cot bed
• If you need more storage get a cot bed with drawers
• Corner posts must be no taller than 1.5mm
• No pointed edges, exposed hardware or splintered wood
• Screws and bolts should all be present and firmly secured

Cot beds come in a variety of wooden colours and finishes, including oak, pine and white, as well as modern and traditional designs to match all preferences. We offer a fantastic choice of Izziwotnot cot beds that are exceptionally designed and finished with the needs of parents and babies in mind.