Cots

About Cots

Baby cots allow infants to sleep soundly without the risk of them rolling or climbing out of bed. The child's security is perhaps the most crucial feature of baby cribs, with comfort being a close second.

There is no technical distinction between baby cots and baby cribs. The term “bedside crib” is more commonly used in the US, while cot beds are more common in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Advantages and Applications

Below we list the most important advantages and applications of beds for infants.

Keeping Infants Safe

Cots typically feature bars on the sides. These are often on a latch or hook that can be lowered by an adult when it's time to let the child out, although some models have static bars. The primary purpose of these bars is to stop the infant from rolling or climbing out of bed and injuring themselves.

Bars are preferred to flat sides in most cases because they allow the infant to grab on and to see out into the room. Having bars to clutch can be helpful to the infant when they want to call for food or attention, as well as to pull themselves upright.

Comfortable Bed

An enclosed bed that uses high-quality cot bedding sets provides a cosy place for a child to sleep. Cot bedding is usually made of ultra-soft materials to help the child rest, with some being made from hypoallergenic materials to prevent reactions. Comfort and safety are front of mind for kids' furniture and bedding.

Making a Pleasant Space

Infant beds come in various designs, styles, materials, and colours, allowing for many options when matching with the rest of the room's furniture. A pleasant sleeping space with soft colours (such as a white cot) and fine materials creates a more enjoyable environment for a child to rest in than a plain space full of hard edges.

The bars on cots also mean that favourite toys have a lower chance of being dropped or thrown away from the child, which can be upsetting. Meanwhile, parents can keep a nightlight or lamp on a kids' bedside table to complete the soothing atmosphere.

Types

Baby Cots

These are usually made of wood but can also be plastic or padded materials. They feature bars to keep the child safe and comfortable bedding to encourage a gentle sleep. They are freestanding kids' beds and can be placed in any room.

Bedside Crib

A bedside crib has one side that opens so that a child can crawl onto their parents' bed. These are placed in the parents' bedroom and provide an excellent way to keep an eye on an infant and provide attention when needed.

Portable Baby Cot

These are easy to transport and convenient when travelling. They make a good choice compared to baskets and bassinets. A portable baby cot bed is typically made of soft material with bending poles for structure and can fold up for compact transportation.

Portable Crib

These are often smaller than a conventional bedside crib but may still allow the child to crawl out of one side. A portable baby bed is advantageous if a child frequently spends time with another family member.

Features

Materials

Wooden cot is a traditional choice, although soft options are increasingly popular, especially for a portable baby bed.

For example, hardwood cots provide durable, safe, and stylish sleeping solutions. With their sturdy construction, adjustable features, and natural ventilation, these timeless sleeping cots offer a comfortable and secure space for your little one.

Safety Features

Bars are the most common safety features. A portable baby crib might use netting to protect the infant. The important thing is to keep the infant and the cot bedding inside the frame.

Cot Bedding

Cots bedding sets usually are cotton. However, brushed flannelette is another popular choice, as infants find it warming.

Baby Cot Mattress

A cot mattress should be soft but provide firm resistance. A mattress that sinks too much runs the risk of the child lying face-down and sinking in.

Baby Cot Bumper

A bumper pad provides an extra layer of support for the infant while resting. Bumper pads are popular additions to portable baby bed sets.

Things to Consider

Portability

Baby cribs designed for use exclusively at home can afford to be larger and made of sturdier materials. The durable construction makes it harder for the infant to rock the frame, which can be an issue with some lightweight models.

However, a portable baby cot may consist of soft fabric with structural supports that fold easily. It makes transport more convenient.

Size

Even for a non-portable crib, size is an important consideration. If it's placed bedside in the parents' room, there should still be enough floor space to get across the room quickly. There should also be sufficient space inside baby cot beds for the infant to move around freely, as they can become frustrated if they feel overly confined.

Colour

A white cot is a traditional and popular choice, but a wide range of options is available to complement the design of a child's bedroom.

Bedding Materials

If a child is sensitive or has allergies, hypoallergenic materials such as cotton are preferable for cot bedding sets and kids' bedding.

Care and Maintenance

A non-abrasive detergent is best for washing the bedding. Wooden frames are easy to wipe down with warm water and soap. Child beds also will require cleaning every time a child is ill or wets the bed.