The Ultimate Guide To Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting a baby it is crucial to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

This slick and elegant crib is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds will keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could cause the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a range of mattresses available - foam, coil springs and natural materials for allergy sufferers, so do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the most recommended cribs important thing to ensure satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. The slats should also be secured and not sliding. The slats must also be secured to the frame so that your child isn't caught in them when moving in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help regulate your body temperature and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

In terms of style there's a variety of styles from classic sleigh styles with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors which is great when you want your child to wake up bright and content!

The majority of cots offers have a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even buy a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

Look for a cot which is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. This information can be found in the description of the product and the specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major aspect to consider when choosing a cot. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed's 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 different materials including foam and natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the up position.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go down when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has an end that is solid. This could restrict airflow, which can cause death in the coffin. The latest 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 will be the safest option for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a fantastic safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with the child. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their beds.

When placing your child's cot ensure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you're buying furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom Be sure to check for potential dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present danger.

If you're not sure how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow the directions.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh design will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding, and an enviable array of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more details).

The teething rails are among our top features. They keep your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from suffocating. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We love that it can be converted into an infant bed, and that it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed until they're ready to transition. However, they can be more expensive upfront than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, a crib could be the Best Baby Cots option for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space, but should your baby be expected to spend much of their time in their parents' room or you want a longer-lasting 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 mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't get tossed out.

Storage

The amount of baby gear you'll need is overwhelming whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. It's crucial to think about storage when selecting a cot. Many cots come with additional storage solutions available such as drawers in the under-bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler bed or a single bed, extending their usability for longer.

Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed purchase.

Some cot sales beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dolls and other small things. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is an additional desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with an older style and include a large under-bed storage drawer which is perfect to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby essentials.

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

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's also a good value.