Cot Beds
A cot bed is a cot that can be used from birth, then converted into a junior bed this means that your cot can used by your baby from birth until around 6 years.
Fixed or Drop Side Cot Beds
Cotbeds are available with fixed or drop sides. A fixed side cotbed means that all 4 sides stay in the same position for the time that it is used as a cot. If the cotbed has a dropside this means that one side will lower to enable you place the baby into the cotbed easily.
Mattress Positions
If the cotbed you choose has a fixed side you will need to have a choice of 3 positions for the mattress base, high for your newborn baby, middle for a young baby, (that you may need to place in the cot while sleeping) the lowest position to keep a toddler safely confined.
If the cotbed has a drop side you will only need 2 positions as you will be able to reach your sleeping baby by lowering the side.
Junior Beds
Cotbeds are a good alternative if you have a small room, as when converted to a junior bed the floor space needed is much less than that of a single bed. The mattress and bedding will all still fit the junior bed, a bed guard can be added to keep the toddler safely in place while sleeping.
