Cot beds are basically cots which are wider and longer than a standard size cot. Often parents choose to buy a cot bed because they convert into a junior bed – that is a toddler sized bed – after their baby has outgrown the cot.
A junior bed is smaller than an adult bed. As a general guide, a cot bed will normally last until your child is about 3-4 years old, depending on their size.
One thing to not forget is that you will usually need to buy cot bed bedding and not bedding designed for a cot. A cot bed is larger than a standard sized cot so cot bed bedding, including cot bed duvets and cot bed sheets, take this into account and are made larger to fit properly. Sometimes however, premium baby bedding brands are sized larger to fit both sized cots.
Do remember that cot beds do not usually have drop sides and not all versions enable parents to select different mattress positions. Not having drop sides means it can be more difficult to get your baby in and out of the cot.
We think that a cot bed can be useful for bridging the gap between a cot and an adult bed. You dont have to worry about your childs sleeping arrangements until they are almost ready for school.
A cot bed is usually only a little more expensive than a cot so a cot bed can be a money saving option too as you wont need to buy a separate toddler bed. Cot beds can provide a roomy sleeping solution for an older baby or toddler.