Cots...

A cot is a bed with high sides for a baby or young child. They are suitable for babies from birth up until the age of two or three years. Cots vary in quality, price, shapes and size; these are all things that you need to take into account before you buy one. You can use a cot for a newborn baby from the first day when you arrive home from the hospital. Although your little one will look lost in a big cot, it can also feel like a strange environment for them.

As an alternative you might consider a Carrycot or Moses basket to start with, this provides baby with smaller and snugger surroundings. A handy tip to acclimatise baby to the cot environment is to place the Moses basket in the cot for a short while before putting your baby directly into the cot. You should make sure the cot you buy is sturdy and strong with no pointed or sharp edges. Most cots have drop down sides so you can lift your child in and out without too much strain on your back, a lot of them have an adjustable height base too, so that you can lift them in and out of the cot easily. You can raise the base to the highest position for a very young baby and lower it when your child is older and able to pull themselves up so that they stay safe and secure in the cot.

There are corner shaped cots which fit neatly in the corner of baby’s room, and cots that can be converted into a Childs bed when needed. A lot of cots have a teething rail around the edges of the cot sides that has a protective plastic coating so your baby doesn’t chew on the wooden rail of the cot as they get older.

Cot Beds

The switch from a cot to a bed is a sign that your baby is growing up or maybe you just need the cot for the next little one.

There are a range of cot beds on the market that are ideal for the transition from cot to bed. Cot beds are longer and wider than standard cots, and their main advantage is that they can be converted into a junior bed when your child outgrows the cot. It means its not too strange for your little one when you feel their ready as they still have the same familiar surroundings, you just make the cot into a bed when you feel their ready. There is no age limit to change from cot to bed but around 2 years old seems to be about the right time although you can sleep your child in a cot for a lot longer should you wish. It makes potty training easier if your child can get in and out of a bed rather than having to lift them in and out of a cot, as most cot beds do not have drop down sides. Do be aware though, they can also get themselves in and out when you maybe don’t want them to!

Moses Basket

Lots of parents choose a Moses basket for the first few months as baby can look and feel a bit lost in a cot to start with.

Your baby will feel more secure in a Moses basket, they are lightweight and easy to transport from room to room as they usually have carrying handles and most have a stand you can purchase at the same time, so you can stand it easily next to your bed if you want your newborn near you for the first few months.

When you buy a Moses basket check that it has sturdy handles that meet in the middle so you can carry the basket with one hand and use your other hand underneath to support the baby. Most Moses baskets are made from Palm or the more expensive and longer lasting ones are made from Wicker, however your baby will only be in it for a short time probably the first 3 months before they outgrow it. They usually come with a fabric hood and a foam mattress and in some instances their own set of bedding.