20 Great Tweets From All Time About Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

This slick and elegant coffin 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 keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft and comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could create a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available including coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.

If you choose a convertible or standard cot, the primary factor to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be secured to the frame so that your little one doesn't get stuck in them while they move in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Make sure you choose a mattress that's breathable, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

In terms of style there's a variety of styles, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bright primary colors which is perfect when you want your baby to wake up feeling fresh and happy!

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing 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 who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For added peace of mind, look for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the product description or in the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot's bed sides or ends (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended, as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to drop when an adult is present, this will prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge do not place it against the wall since it can block airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges could be safer as they allow for more airflow.

If your cheap cot beds has a fixed side you should choose this because it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and climb up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots have an option where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will expand with your child This is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots have adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to stand up in their bed.

If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure that there isn't any visible danger - it must be kept away from heaters, windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece be sure to look for any choking hazards like stickers and transfers that may peel off and present the risk of.

If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for advice or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This stunning infant cot bed bed with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding and a dazzling variety of baby outfits. It is also easy to construct, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more details).

One of our favourite features is the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head on the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot, such as the handle or corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being suffocated. It also features a drop-side to make it easier for parents to reach their newborn. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs beds (Http://Support.Gwbs.Biz/Faq/Index.Php?Qa=User&Qa_1=Yardjason6) and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a new bed until they're ready to transition. They are more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery isn't big enough, cheap cot beds you might be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan on spending a lot of your baby's time in your room or you need a bed that lasts longer, you should consider a cot.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats must not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted to a toddler or a small single bed, which can extend their use for a longer time.

Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as shown here 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 also allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.

A few cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks fantastic. Being able to access these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their child.

Another desirable feature to look for is a teething rail which is included with cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots feature more traditional designs and have a huge storage drawer under the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby essentials.

This is a great solution when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets aren't typically included in the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's also a good value.