The Cot Beds Success Story You'll Never Remember
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this basic but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It is also simple to put together, and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed will keep babies comfortable and cozy. Look for a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to avoid any gaps that could cause the danger of being suffocated. There are many types of mattresses available - foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.
Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It should provide adequate support and promote an upright posture. The slats need to be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats need to be firmly attached to the frame so that your child does not be caught when they move during sleep.
If you're not sure what mattress to purchase, talk to friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they help you regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
There are a variety of styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and happy when they awake.
The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also purchase a drop side for smaller babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.
For added peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the product description or key specs.
Safety
When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be a priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of various materials from foam to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the up position.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge be sure to avoid placing it against the wall because it will block airflow and may contribute to death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer because they permit more airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your baby when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to move into a junior bed.
Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a great safety measure and enables your child's cot to expand with the child. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who like to stand up.
If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure whether there is no visible danger - it must be away from heat sources, windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece Be sure to check for potential dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present the risk of.
If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely consult other parents or attend the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot has an instruction manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and be sure to follow the safe-use instructions closely.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of white and natural wood and the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also simple to build, with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed when your child gets older (see product description for more information).
The teething rails are among our top features. They stop your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also prevent children from chewing on the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also an opening that can be removed to allow you to access your newborn. We are thrilled that it can be converted to an infant bed, and that it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the main specifications beneath each product.
Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This lets you not have to buy a new crib when your child is ready to move up. They are more expensive than a crib.
If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best option for you as it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your baby is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' bedroom or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, consider a crib.
If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements in baby mattress cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. top rated cots must not be too close together, to ensure that your baby won't get tossed out.
Stores
No matter if you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of things the baby will require is immense. This is why it's crucial to consider storage options when selecting the right crib bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into an infant bed or a small single beds to expand their use.
Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.
Some cot beds come with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and dolls and other small objects. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks beautiful. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their infant.
A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots. This can keep your baby from chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is perfect to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.
While this is a great idea for when you're in a tight space, it's important to keep in mind that you'll have to purchase an additional drawer. It is also possible to buy a new mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot itself.
This sleigh-style cot bed is an exquisite example of Scandi style at its finest. It has a spacious under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep all baby necessities out of sight but still easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's a good investment too.