Guide to buying a Cot Bed or Cot
Cot Beds
What is a cot bed?
A cot bed is a large cot that converts into a junior bed as your child grows and can be used for a child to sleep in up to the approx age of 5 years of age. This can help make the traumatic move from familiar cot to an exposed open bed more bearable for some toddlers. With a cot bed, your baby will feel reassured that his bed times surroundings are familiar. The bed will also be a smaller junior bed, which some toddlers may prefer to a larger one. But it does not mean that he will grow out of it sooner. Exactly when he grows out of it depends on the size of your child and the bed, but it’s usually around the age of five. A Cot Bed will be a little more expensive than a cot but bearing in mind the return on time it will save you more money in the long run.
What features should I look out for?
Adjustable base height: some cot beds let you adjust the height of the mattress base at the highest position, making it easier on your back.. It’s a good idea to lower the base when your baby is old enough to pull himself up, so that he stays secure in the cot.
Teething Rails: Many cots also have a teething rail, which is a protective plastic coating around the edges, to prevent your baby chewing on the wooden slats of the cot when he is older.
Mattress: Cot beds vary in size, so always double check you’re buying the right size mattress. Even a 4cm gap between the mattress and cot bed is enough for your baby to trap an arm or a leg. And make sure you check to see if the mattress is included in the price-it usually isn’t.
Cots
What is a cot?
A cot will be smaller and less expensive than a cot bed. A cot will probably be your baby's bed until he is two or three years old.
Why should I consider a cot?
The merits of buying a cot as opposed to buying a cot bed is that it is firstly smaller than the Cot Bed so if your Nursery Room for your baby is small and compact a Cot will suit the room better. Some parents who may be planning on adding to their family within 2 to 3 years may not want to buy another Cot Bed and make the decision to transfer their toddler to a bigger bed and use the Cot for their second baby and then never use the functionality of the junior bed.
What safety features should I be aware of?
- Check your cot conforms with the BS EN 716-1 safety code, which ensures the cot is deep enough to prevent your baby from climbing out.
- Ensure the mattress fits the cot with no gaps
- Make sure the bars of the cot are no more than 45mm to 65mm apart.
Guide to buying the correct Cot/Cot Bed mattress?
In JellyBean we would always advise that the mattress is one of the most important purchases you will make when the time is right for your baby to move into their cot/cotbed. When you start researching you will find that there are a lot of options on the market and it can be very confusing as to what to choose or how much to spend?
We decided to make this simplier by firstly explaining the different types of mattress and what their features & merits are? We never force a particular mattress on a couple as we believe that you have to make up your own mind and consider quality, safety features and budget.
Firstly THE FOUNDATION FOR STUDY OF INFANT DEATHS states that it does not matter what kind of mattress you use as long as it is firm and not soft, fits the cot without any gaps.
What should I look out for in all mattress types?
Look for a cot mattress that is 10cm thick. Anything thinner won't provide the support your baby needs. Thin foam in particular can lose its shape and dent easily hence the reason at JellyBean we do not stock foam mattress.
Cot Bed Mattress 70cm x 140cm
Cot Mattress 60cm x 120cm
Spring interior mattresses for Cot/Cot Beds
- These mattresses are made of coiled springs covered with a layer of foam. On top of that, one side of the mattress is usually covered in cotton fabric and the other in wipe-clean plastic.
- Removable washable cover which can be easily removed and washed.
- Our price points for a Spring Interior Mattress start from €73.00
- In our experience the Spring Interior Mattress is one of the most popular buys.
What are my options?
Spring interior mattresses for Cot/Cot Beds with Healthguard Protection.
- The most popular mattresses on the market with a spring interior which gives your baby great support as their spine develops and they grow. Long lasting, as it holds it’s shape well.
- Look out for the bundle deals on the Travis Cot Bed, Zoe Cot, Hannah Cot, Zara Cot where we offer the Eco Fibre Mattress as part of your overall package.
Why choose the Heathguard Anti-Allergy Pocket Spring Mattress?
- Baby Elegance Healthguard approved mattress is Irish made by Baby Elegance in Dublin who have been making baby mattress for the last 25 years.
- Healthguard approved which is a world leading anti-bacterial, anti-allergy and anti-insect technology.
- Dust mites are a major trigger of Asthma and allergic reactions. Healthguard protection mean dust mites can not live in this mattress.
- Prevents your baby from developing an allergy.
- Quilted, Removable and Washable Cover.
Fibre Mattresses for Cot/Cot Beds
The interior of a natural fibre mattress is usually coconut fibre coated in latex, which is waterproof. The covers are soft cotton.
- Good choice if you are concerned about your baby sleeping on synthetic material.
- Long lasting, as it holds its shape well.
- Look out for the bundle deals on the Travis Cot Bed, Zoe Cot, Hannah Cot, Zara Cot where we offer the Eco Fibre Mattress as part of your overall package.
Natural Fibre mattresses for Cot/Cot Beds with Healthguard Protection?
Why choose the Healthguard Fibre Mattress?
- Baby Elegance Healthguard approved mattress is Irish made by Baby Elegance in Dublin who have been making baby mattress for the last 25 years.
- Healthguard approved which is a world leading anti-bacterial, anti-allergy and anti-insect technology.
- Dust mites are a major trigger of Asthma and allergic reactions. Healthguard protection mean dust mites can not live in this mattress.
- Prevents your baby from developing an allergy.
- Quilted, Removable and Washable Cover.
Aerosleep Cot/Cot Bed Mattresses
What is an Aerosleep Mattress?
- Thanks to a unique knitting process, AeroSleep is a mattress cover which consists for 95% of open space. You can compress the 3D structure between two fingers but not across a larger surface. This structure ensures that underneath the body there is a ventilation layer through which the air circulates freely. Nowhere does the body come into direct contact with the mattress. This reduces both particular possible risks of cot death and sweating during the night.
How should I wash my AeroSleep?
- Always fold the AeroSleep with the 3D structure on the outside and preferably put it in the washing machine on its own. A washing programme for white laundry at 60°C is sufficient to make sure it comes out as good as new.
What is the difference between AeroSleep and an ordinary mattress?
A conventional mattress protector consists of an impermeable layer which often causes a sweaty and therefore uncomfortable feeling.
AeroSleep has created a layer of air on top of the impermeable layer. This layer of air ensures that the body does not come into contact with the impermeable absorption layer below. This means that you lie on air and not directly on the fabric. Because of this, skin irritations disappear like snow in the sun.
Moreover, during sleep surplus body heat is evacuated and fresh air is supplied from the ambient surroundings. In this way, body temperature can be kept under control and there will be no more perspiration. This way AeroSleep guarantees a well-ventilated sleeping climate without sweating.
