A cot bed is ideal for use once a child has outgrown a traditional cot. The designs include the same high sides as a normal cot but offer enhanced functionality which means they can be lowered or removed when needed. Cot beds are therefore larger in design and emulate the styling of a traditional junior bed once the sides are removed or altered.  

Choosing the best place for your baby or young child to sleep is all about finding the balance between comfort and safety. Cots allow younger children to benefit from a protective area to sleep to meet both needs. 

A cot, not to be confused with a cot bed, is a small sleep accessory with high sides to stop a young child from falling out. These come in a few different forms, with permanent wooden designs and fabric travel options being the most popular.

Cot beds are larger than cots, meaning they can serve as a comfortable sleeping location while a child grows. This means they last for much longer than a cot and offer brilliant value for money. Depending on your design, cot beds can be used as staple accessories in a child's bedroom long after the nursery days have passed.

Due to their versatility in use, cot beds are also extremely robust and durable. Their sturdy design offers enhanced safety. 

Finally, cot beds offer a brilliant way to transition children into their larger beds in the future, as they will already be used to sleeping in a similar spot. By gradually taking the sides away as a child grows, their sleeping environment can be perfectly tailored to current developmental needs.

Cots are a brilliant solution for young children so can be used from a newborn stage. As children then get older and learn to move around and stand up, a cot still allows safety to be integrated as they will be unable to get out of bed.

Each child develops at different speeds, but it’s recommended that by the age of two, a child is transitioned into a cot bed or toddler design.

Cot beds are recommended for use from birth to around four years of age. This will be unique to each child and depend on the bed model chosen. If you are planning on using the same product from the newborn phase, you will need to ensure that the correct safety considerations are accounted for with your chosen design. Accessories and bedding will also need to be switched out based on the child's age and growth needs to ensure comfort and safety.

You should place a cot away from any safety concerns which could impact the conditions for a child. This includes windows, doors, electrical sources, and any home decor items they could start to play with. The cot should also be positioned close to a wall to ensure the child feels protected and not exposed to space. 

As it's recommended that a child sleeps in the same room as their parents for the first six months, a cot should be positioned close to them. The beauty of cots is that they are lightweight, slimline, and easy to move when needed, meaning transitioning a baby from co-sleeping to their own bedroom doesn't have to be stressful.

The main consideration is cot bed bedding. It's important to always use appropriate and correct-fitting bedding, as this will ensure a child is always given correct ergonomic support for their growing bodies. Cot beds will also need specifically sized mattresses and bedding, as choosing something that is ill-fitting will negatively impact a child's sleeping experience.

To ensure a child is comfortable, cot bedding should always be selected. This includes bedding sets for comfort but also quilts and bumper sets to elevate safety. Other considerations to make for improving a child's sleep experience are cot mobiles, night lights and baby monitors.

It’s always important to ensure that you have selected a safety tested cot bed from a notable manufacturer. When you explore our collection, the worry is eliminated as we only stock high-quality products that have been extensively safety tested. 

You should also always check the stability of a bed as a child grows to ensure their weight is always being correctly supported. Also, as a child grows the cot bed should be adjusted to support their mobility needs to eliminate the chance of accidents from happening. 

Finally, cot beds should be positioned away from any danger areas for younger children. This includes not being next to heating sources or electrical wires, and tiny hands love to touch anything in their sight. As the child grows, this can of course be re-assessed based on their behaviour.

To ensure a cot has been properly constructed, you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions. The process for building a cot is simple with most parts being supplied in large pieces. Once you have constructed the cot, always be sure to carry out safety testing before allowing a baby to sleep in it. 

Using a cot is intended to promote safety for a young child but that doesn’t mean other measures can be missed out on. 

When choosing bedding and bumpers for a child's cot, it's essential to prioritise ergonomic support. 

Also, consider safety by ensuring the cot is not near anything that could pose a danger. Remember, the use of bumpers and quilts/pillows should be dependent upon the child's age. It's generally recommended to avoid using quilts and pillows before the child is 12 months old. Lastly, regularly assess if the child has outgrown the cot to ensure they have a safe sleeping environment.