How To Save Money On 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's safe and secure for your cheap baby cots. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to avoid any gaps that could pose the risk of being suffocated. There are a range of mattresses on the market that include coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research before deciding on the right one for your baby's requirements.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is essential to the comfort. It should provide adequate support and promote an upright posture. The slats should also be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats should also be securely fixed to the frame, so your little one doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to buy, consult your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they aid in regulating your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate 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 fresh and happy!

The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also purchase a drop-side for babies who aren't big or suffer from medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.

For extra security, opt for a cot that is compliant with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. This information is available in the product description as well as the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot a safe sleeping environment is a must. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Check that it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some contain anti-microbial treatments. If your crib has a drop side, ensure it is in the upward position and secured.

A drop side should be allowed to fall only when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against the wall if it is a solid end. This could restrict airflow, which can cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer as they permit more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side you should choose this because it's safer when your baby starts 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 have an option where the base can be raised to three different heights to allow it to increase with your child's growth This is extremely convenient and an added safety measure. Some cots also have adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their beds.

When placing your child's cot, make sure 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. They all could create strangulation risks. If you're buying 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 create danger.

If you're not sure how to use your cot safely, ask other parents or visit an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your crib comes with a manual be sure to go through it before using it and follow all the instructions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers to keep all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding, and an enviable array of baby outfits. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product description for details).

One of our favourite features is the teething rails that protect your baby from bumping their head against the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot, such as the handle or corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming trapped. There's also drop-sides to allow you to access your newborn. We are thrilled that it can be converted into 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 are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed when they're ready for the transition. They can be more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, you may want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in the room or you need a bed that will last longer, you should consider a crib.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Stores

Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of things a baby needs is staggering. This is why it's crucial to think about storage options when choosing the crib bed. A number of cots have additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small single bed, which can extend their usability for longer.

Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.

Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dummies, as well as other small objects. This helps keep everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items will make it easier for parents when feeding their infant.

Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail that is available with some cots to tots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which can cause irritation. Some cots 4 tots have a more traditional design and come with a large storage drawer beneath the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, baby necessities.

This is a great solution if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately, as oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot is a beautiful example of Scandi style at its finest. It has a spacious under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby's essentials out of sight but still easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.