Baby Cribs and Cots Sales Statistics
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The cribs and baby cribs market is classified by type of product (convertibles standard, standard, portable, multifunctional, and standard) and distribution channel.
The SnuzFino cot bed was the top choice of our parent testers, with mum Katrina noting "I am a huge fan of the toddler kit - it really helps to extend the life of this cot". It's also vacuum rolled making it easy to put together.
Size
There's plenty to consider when selecting the best bed for your little one. You'll need to take into consideration size, safety, cost, and style to ensure you make the best decision. The most commonly used dimensions for cots are 140cm by 70cm, but this can vary between brands, so make certain to confirm before purchasing. Also, you should be aware of the age range for the cot that is suitable. This will help you decide if it is time you should upgrade your child to an adult bed or a single bed once they are ready.
A cot-bed is a flexible option because it can be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed when your child is old enough. This will make the transition much easier for both you and your child and will save you money in the long time.
Cot beds come in a wide assortment of shapes, sizes and finishes so it's important to choose the best one for your nursery. Pick a cot that is suitable for your space. Also, keep in mind that most cots have removable sides so that your child can play with toys in bed or sit up. If your nursery is limited in space, consider a compact cot that has curved edges.
If you're not sure about the best fit for your nursery ask around with family members and friends who have children. They can provide valuable insights on their personal experiences with different models, and offer suggestions based on their own experience. You can also look up online reviews to gain an understanding of how other parents have had their experience with the cot they've purchased.
Cot beds can be found in a variety of materials including pine, which is the most popular. It's a soft wood which means it's more prone to scratches and dents, but it's also a highly renewable material and incredibly sturdy. Other options include birch beech, and oak, which are hard woods that offer more resistance to wear and tear. Some cots are also made of engineered wood, which combines a layer plywood or MDF with a veneer of wood to create an even more durable finish.
Safety
To ensure that babies are sleeping in a safe environment, cots and cot-beds must meet the latest safety and health standards. They should also not have sharp edges, and the distance between bars must not exceed 6.5cm. This will prevent infants from climbing over or becoming stuck between the bars. They should not also use them as ladders. If you are buying a second-hand cot, or an antique, ensure it has been thoroughly cleaned and meets current safety standards. Older cots might have been painted with lead paint, which poses a hazard to young children.
A good quality cot must be easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions. It must also require a minimum amount of tools. If you're not able to assemble it yourself, ask friends and family for advice and make sure you read any safety guidelines carefully. Be sure to choose a mattress that is not too bulky and that is tightly fitted with no gaps. It is advised to stay clear of pillows, cot bumpers or any other bedding that is soft, as these can cause fatal suffocation.
Some cots can be converted into toddler beds. This will save you money and make the transition from the cot to bed as easy as possible. Some are multi-functional, and come with extra features like teething rails and storage drawers. If you're planning on having more than one child, this is a great option as it will save you money in the future.
When you are buying a cot ensure it fits within your budget and is the appropriate size for your nursery. If you are buying a crib for your baby's nursery, consider whether it will be placed in a shared space or if it will be within your own bedroom. If the cot is within your own space make sure you measure the space to ensure that it is comfortable and isn't too close to radiators or other furniture. Also, avoid placing the cot close to window blind cords since they could be a risk of strangulation.
Convenience
When you're shopping for a baby it's easy to concentrate on safety and the spec features. However, don't forget about ease of use. You need to ensure that the cot bed you purchase is easy to move from room to room and even to the garden. It's because your child could be sleeping in the crib for a longer amount of time than you think.
One of the biggest convenience actions you can take is to choose a cot that converts into a bed for toddlers and saves you the cost and hassle of investing in another piece of furniture later. This is a popular option for parents, however you should be aware that it can cost a bit more than a regular crib.
The John Lewis Elementary cot, which can be converted into a toddler bed, is a great example of a cot with a high value. The design is sleek and contemporary with open sides that allow you to easily check on your child. It comes with three mattress positions, so your baby can expand. There are also teething rails to give you extra security.
The Mamas & Papas Franklin cot is a different top pick, because it comes with a wide range of useful extras. It has a storage drawer, teething rails and two height positions. This allows your baby to continue using the cot until they're ready to transition to a toddler's bed. cots and tots comes with a standard cot mattress, but you'll have to purchase this separately.
You can also consider the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot Bed which goes one step further than converting to a toddler bed. It can also be transformed into a sofa or a daybed and gives you even more flexibility.
Another option is the Ickle Bubba Snowdon Classic Cotbed. This is a stylish sleigh cot, but it's not as practical as other options. For one, it's only suitable for babies up to the point that they're 2 years old and doesn't come with an upholstered sheet (you must purchase this separately). However, it is easy to put together and you can purchase furniture that matches from the brand.
Style
Cot beds come in a variety of styles, from traditional sleigh designs, to modern minimalist designs. The style you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the style of your nursery. You might consider adding additional features such as an area for storage underneath rails for teething or a drop-side for small babies.
When choosing a cot bed it is important to remember that if you opt for a model that has bars, the gap between the bars should not exceed 6.5cm or there could be the risk of limbs being trapped in the bars. All cots and cot beds sold in the UK must meet the safety standard BS EN716-1:2008+A1:2013.
A few of the cots we tested have bars that can be removed, which allows older children to be more independent, while still being secure. The Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot, for example, can be converted to a toddler or daybed by attaching an attachment kit (sold separately). This allows it to be used from birth up until the age of 4 years.
Another option is the Great Little Trading Company Little Wren Cot Bed, which is sleek and stylish. It's a stylish design with a convenient under-bed storage drawer for keeping all baby must-haves at hand. cots 4 tots was easy to assemble and offered plenty of space for toys and bedding. It comes with a teething bar and an adjustable base that can be adjusted to three different heights.
The Stokke Sleepi Cot Bed is another sleigh style that can be converted into an infant bed with the junior conversion kit and mattress extender (sold separately). It is a great investment as it will last until they are five years old. However, it is not among the most affordable cots on our list.