Are You Responsible For A Cot Beds Budget? 12 Top Ways To Spend Your Money

How to Choose the Best Cot Bed [Ai-Db.Science] Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

Our top choice is this simple but stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with 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 keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could pose an suffocation threat. There are a range of mattresses available - foam, coil springs, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.

It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is essential to the comfort. It should provide proper support and promote a healthy posture. The slats need to be secured and not sliding. The slats should also be securely fixed to the frame, so your child doesn't get stuck in them while they move in their sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Make sure you choose a mattress that's air-conditioned, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

When it comes to style, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel joyful and cheerful when they wake up.

Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who are small or have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Choose a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily be transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. This information is available in the product description and the key specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be a priority. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot's bed sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Make sure it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended, since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Some come with anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has drop sides, make sure it is in the upward position and secured.

Drop sides should only be permitted to fall when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental release. If your cot has a solid end, avoid placing it against the wall since this will restrict airflow and could cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer because they permit more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it will be safest when your baby starts to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots come with an option where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to expand with your child which is extremely useful and is a safety measure. Some cots come with footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure that there is no visible danger - it should be away from heaters or windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're purchasing furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom be sure to look for any choking hazards like stickers and transfers that may be removed and create danger.

If you're not sure how to use your cot safely you can ask other parents or visit the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design This stunning crib will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and an enviable variety of baby outfits. It's also easy to build, with clear instructions and 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 information).

One of our favourite features is the teething rails that protect your little one from smacking their head against the cot's side or any protruding parts of the Mini Cot Bed, such as a handle or a corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming in danger of being suffocated. There's also a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We are thrilled that it can be converted into an infant bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed at an age when they're ready to move on. However, they may be more expensive upfront than the standard crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best option for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space, but if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, opt for a cot.

If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers mattress thicknesses, materials, and other important elements in baby cot mattresses) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too far apart, to ensure your baby doesn't fall off.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of things a baby needs is staggering. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when selecting the crib bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage solutions available like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to extend their usage.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.

Some cot sale beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dolls and other small objects. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks beautiful. Being able to access these items makes it easier for parents to feed their infant.

Another thing to look for is a toothing rail that is available with some cots to tots. This will help keep your baby from chewing on the wood which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.

This is a great option if space is an issue however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may need to buy bedding and a mattress separately, as oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby necessities out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's good value too.