Why We Why We Cot Beds (And You Should Also!)

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child, it's important to choose a cot that will be safe and secure for your child. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It is also simple to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds (click through the following document) keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress fits snugly to avoid any gaps, which could create an suffocation threat. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is essential to comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage an ideal posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be firmly attached to the frame so that your child does not get caught when they move during sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, consult your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Look for ones that are breathable, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

When it comes to style, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in vibrant primary colours which is perfect when you want your little one to wake up feeling bright and happy!

You'll find most cots have a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who aren't big or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

Look for a cot which is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards and is easily converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. Find this information in the product description or key specs.

Safety

A secure sleeping space is an essential consideration when choosing a bed. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of a variety of materials, from foam to natural materials that are suitable for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall only when an adult is present - this prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge, avoid placing it against the wall as it will block airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots are safer since they allow for greater airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it is the most secure option when your child begins to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they're ready to move into a junior bed.

Some cots feature an option where the base can be raised to three different levels to allow it to expand with your child This is extremely useful and is a safety measure. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.

When placing your child's cot be sure that there are no visible hazards. It should be placed away from heaters and power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could create strangulation risks. If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture Be sure to check for potential dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose danger.

If you're not sure what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for help or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the mix of natural wood and white as well as the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It is also easy to build, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more information).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails which protect your little one from bumping their head on the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot, such as handles or a corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting in danger of being suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant. We love that it can be converted to an infant bed, and that it's built to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing a new bed when your child is ready to make the leap. However, they can be pricier upfront than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, a crib may be the Best cot for newborn choice for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space. However, if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom or you want a longer-lasting bed, consider a crib.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won't get tossed out.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of items the baby will require is immense. This is why it's crucial to consider the storage options when you choose the crib bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots and tots are able to be converted into a toddler bed or 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 an excellent option for those who like an edgier design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of the purchase of a separate bed.

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

A teething rail is a desirable feature that is included in some cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood, 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 essentials.

While this is a great idea for when you're short on space, it's important to remember that you will require a separate additional drawer. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot is a beautiful example of Scandi style at its best. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep all baby necessities out of sight but still easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's a good investment too.