15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that's secure and safe for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

This minimalist, elegant crib is our top pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It is also simple to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot bed (online) cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could pose the risk of suffocation. There are many mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. So do your research before deciding on the right one for your baby's requirements.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is vital to your comfort. It must provide the right support and promote a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which must be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not get caught when they move during sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help you regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.

There are many styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours which is perfect when you want your little one to wake up feeling bright and cheerful!

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate baby's growth. You can even buy drop sides for small infants or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and will easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the description or key specs.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is essential and a big consideration when choosing a crib. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Make sure 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 different materials including foam and natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop sides, make sure it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should be allowed to go down only if an adult is present, to prevent accidental release. If your cot has a solid end do not place it against the wall because it will block airflow and may contribute to death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they permit more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side you should choose this because it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to transition into a junior bed.

Some cots have a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights to allow it to grow with your child which is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.

When you place your child's cot ensure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be kept away from heaters and power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and create a risk.

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 comes with a guide, make sure you go through it prior to using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding, and an enviable assortment of baby cots on sale clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk or bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

One of our favorite features are the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head on the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot, such as handles or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs beds and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed until they're ready to transition. They are more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best option for you as it is smaller and takes up less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend much of their time in their parents' bedroom or you want a longer-lasting bed, consider a cot.

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 essential elements in baby mattresses for cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too far apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Stores

The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Some cots have additional storage options, including drawers underneath 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 usage.

Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This lets parents save money on the purchase of a separate bed.

A few cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This helps to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy and looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is an additional desired feature that is found in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots feature a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer underneath the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, baby necessities.

This is a great solution for those who have limited space, but you will have to purchase a drawer on your own. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't typically included in the cot sets itself.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's good value too.