Five Killer Quora Answers To Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting your first child it is crucial to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

This slick and elegant coffin is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft and airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could pose the risk of suffocation. There are many mattresses on the market including coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and select the best one for your baby's requirements.

No matter if you select a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes a healthy posture. The slats need to be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame so that your child does not be caught when they move in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they help regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in vibrant primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their child to wake up bright and happy!

The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate your child's growth. You can even purchase drop sides for small babies or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Choose a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and is easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. This information is found in the product description as well as the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be a priority. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Check that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials, from foam to natural materials that are suitable for those suffering from allergies. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the upward position.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go down when an adult is present in the room. This prevents accidental releases. Do not place your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This can restrict airflow, which can lead to coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they allow more airflow.

If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It's the most secure option for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will increase with your child's growth which is extremely useful and is a safety measure. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their bed.

When you place your child's cot, make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be kept away from any heaters or power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. They all could pose a strangulation risk. If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece Be sure to check for potential hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and pose the risk of.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely you can ask other parents or visit an 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 follow all the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural wood and white as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk and bed when your child gets older (see product description for more details).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They stop your baby from hitting their head against the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing the wood, and prevent them from being suffocated. There's also drop-sides to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We love that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed until they're ready for the transition. They are more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best choice for you since it is smaller and occupies less space. However, if your baby is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' bedroom or you're looking for a more durable bed, opt for a cot.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other key elements of cot mattresses for baby cots online. The slats shouldn't be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't fall out.

Stores

The amount of baby cots online stuff you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It's crucial to think about storage when selecting a cot. There are a variety of affordable cots that have additional storage solutions available such as drawers in the under-bed or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant bed or a small single beds to expand their usage.

Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer more flexible designs as the process of conversion is simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save money on an additional bed.

A few cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organised, neat and tidy - and it also looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.

Another desirable feature to look out for is a teething rail that comes with cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots feature more traditional designs and have a huge storage drawer under the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, baby necessities.

This is a great choice when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. 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 itself.

This sleigh-style cot bed stunning example of Scandi style at its best. It has a spacious under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep cheap baby cots's essentials away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for infants as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler's crib when your child is ready.