11 Methods To Refresh Your Cot Beds

How to Choose the best cot newborn Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting your first child, it is important to choose a cot that 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 simple but elegant 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's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot bed keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Look for a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could pose the danger of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research before deciding on the right one for your baby's requirements.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot, a good cribs mattress is essential to ease of use. It should provide proper support and promote an ideal posture. The slats must be secured and not sagging. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame so that your little one doesn't get 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 will aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

There are many styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they awake.

The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing 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.

For extra security, opt for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. This information can be found in the description of the product and key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big factor when selecting a crib. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can trap the child's arms or head). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in a variety of materials, from foam to natural materials that are suitable for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the up position.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall only if an adult is present - this will prevent accidental releases. Do not place your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This will restrict airflow, which can result in death of the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer because they permit more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side choose this option as it will be safest when your child starts 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 are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a great security measure that allows the cot of your child to grow with the child. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who love to stand up.

When putting your child's cot in the crib, make sure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be placed away from any heaters or power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could pose a strangulation risk. If you're buying furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose a risk.

If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for advice or go to a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before using it, and then follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh style will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials 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. What's more, it can be converted into a toddler bed and desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

The teething rails are among our top features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side 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 being suffocated. There's also drop-sides to make it easier for you to get access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready to move on. They may cost more than cribs.

If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best choice for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a cot.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won't get tossed out.

Storage

The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. It is important to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage solutions available such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase 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 simple and requires only the removal of a single side panel. This will allow parents to save money on the purchase of a separate bed.

A number of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for parents to feed their child.

Another thing to look for is a teething rail which is included with some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and have a huge drawer under the bed that is perfect for storing toys, blankets clothing, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, you must keep in mind that you'll have to purchase an additional drawer. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses don't come with 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 great to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to put together for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's also a good value.