An Cot Beds Success Story You'll Never Remember

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it is essential to select the right cot that is safe and secure for your little one. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

This slick and stylish cot is our top choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and a storage drawer. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The most comfortable cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps that could cause the danger of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses on the market including coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage an upright posture. The slats need to be securely attached and not sliding. The slats must also be secured to the frame, so that your child isn't stuck in them while they move during sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to purchase, talk to 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.

When it comes to style there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their child to wake up feeling fresh and cheerful!

You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items, teething rails to protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can even buy a drop side for smaller babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. This information is found in the description of the product and key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping is a must. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot's bed sides or ends (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Check that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.

Drop sides should only be permitted down when an adult is present in the room. This prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has a solid end. This could limit airflow, which could lead to coffin death. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges may be safer because they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is set on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your baby when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign they're ready to move into a junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a fantastic security measure that allows your child's cot to grow with them. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their beds.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure whether there is no visible danger - it should be away from heaters or power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). 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 transfer tapes that could be removed and create the risk of.

If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for help or go to a local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you read it before using it and follow the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of white and natural pine, and its smart features, including drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like bedding, nappies and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also simple to build, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your baby cots online grows older (see the product's description for more details).

One of our favourite features are the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being trapped. The cot also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your infant cot bed. We love that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which can be found in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed when they're ready for the transition. They may cost more than cribs.

If your nursery is small, you may want to consider a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan to spend a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom or you need a bed that will last longer, you should choose 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 the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too close together to ensure that your baby won't fall off.

Storage

The amount of baby gear you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a new mom or a seasoned one. This is why it's essential to think about storage options when selecting a crib bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to extend their use.

Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. This allows parents to save money on the purchase of a separate bed.

A few cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood which could cause irritation. Some cots come with more traditional designs and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby necessities.

While this is a great idea if you're running out of space, you must keep in mind that you'll require a separate additional drawer. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh-style cot bed is a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a spacious under-bed storage space that is perfect for keeping all baby cots on sale essentials away from view but easily accessible. 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 converted into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.