A Wooden Bedside Cot Offers Versatility and Safety
A wooden bedside cot is a secure and practical method to bring your baby closer to you during your sleep time. It can also be used for multiple purposes, easily transitioning into a bassinet, or a standalone crib.
Some cots are convertible with adjustable mattress bases and rails that can be removed. These beds allow you to change your baby to the bed of a toddler as they get older.
Safety
A sturdy and safe wooden bedside cot is an indication of high-quality. It will comply with European safety standards and will be free of dangers, such as drop-side mechanisms or soft toys. It will also be free of dangles and other stickers that can catch or choke babies. If you're using an old cot, you should check that it hasn't been painted with lead paint or a drop side mechanism. It must be clean and dry with a firm breathable mattress that fits snugly, with no gaps.
A new mattress is also recommended for the cot as older mattresses are more prone to sag or be too thin. This can pose an choking risk. Avoid adding extra items like pillows and duvets as they increase the risk of the suffocation. The Lullaby Trust recommends that you keep your cot free of all items that might hinder or disturb your baby's sleep, such as toys, dangley mobiles and cot bumpers.
Convenience
Some cots, such as the Leander Linea or Stokke Sleepi Mini are equipped with adjustable mattress bases that lets you keep your baby close by during bedtime. You can lower the base as your child grows older and is able to stand up, preparing your child for a bedtime routine that is completely independent. Other convertible cots, such as the Comfy Cubs Wooden Bedside Bassinet Sleeper are designed to change from a crib that is positioned at the bedside to a standalone bassinet and finally, a toddler bed once your child is ready for the transition. Combine your cot bed with baby-safe accessories to ensure complete safety and ease of use.
Design
A wooden bedside cot is available in modern and traditional designs. cotsfortots can be finished in white or wood which is perfect for creating a neutral, minimalist design for your nursery. Some models include storage drawers.
Parents who would like to sleep next to their child can opt for a crib that is co-sleeper. These beds can be converted easily into a regular bassinet by removing the side rails. These beds are a convenient and safe option for infants and babies who aren't ready to move into their own bed.
As with any crib, cots for bedside use a variety of accessories to ensure that your baby is at ease. A soft mattress cover that is breathable and comfortable is a must-have item to protect your child from leaks and spills. Bring a blanket or a soft toy for your baby to help them relax.
Durability
Solid wood cot beds are constructed to last, unlike cheap materials like MDF or chipboard. They're strong enough to withstand everyday use, and less likely to release off-gasses. This makes them a safer choice for your child. They are also easy to take apart making them easier to clean for parents.
There are a variety of designs available in neutral colors and white to match the rest of your nursery. You can match the cot with a white Moses basket, foam mattress and bedding set to create a harmonious appearance. Some cots, including the Stokke Sleepi Mini and the Leander Linea, come with an adjustable base mattress that can be raised and adjusted to suit your child's requirements. This can help them build independence by learning how to get in and out of bed independently.
Solid wood cots can last for a long time and can be passed on to the next generation. They're also an excellent choice for families that love to regularly change the decor of their bedrooms because they can easily be adapted to suit new colour schemes and designs without sacrificing their functionality.