Five Killer Quora Answers To Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting your first child, it is important to select a cot which will ensure safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

This slick and stylish coffin is our top rated cots choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and a storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft and airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps which could pose the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available - foam, coils springs, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your ease of use. It must provide the right support and encourage a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which must be firmly attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

When it comes to fashion there's a variety of styles from classic sleigh styles with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors which is perfect if you want your child to wake up bright and happy!

You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the side of the cot and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that aren't tall enough or have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. Find this information in the description or key specs.

Safety

A secure sleeping space is essential and a big consideration when choosing a bed. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop sides, make sure it is in the up position and locked securely.

A drop side should be allowed to go down only when an adult is present, to prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge be sure to avoid placing it against the wall as it will block airflow and could cause coffin death. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they allow more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side you should choose this because it's safer when your child starts to crawl and climb up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a great safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with their needs. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who love to stand up.

When placing your child's cot, make sure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be kept away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could create strangulation risks. If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and pose danger.

If you're unsure of how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for advice or go to a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the mix of white and natural wood as well as the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see product description for more details).

One of our favorite features are the teething rails, which shield your baby from smacking their head against the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot, like a handle or a corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also an opening that can be removed to make it easier for parents to reach their newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a bed when they're ready for the transition. However, they may be pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, you may want to consider a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom or if you require a bed that lasts longer, you should choose a crib.

A crib isn't safe 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 baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't get tossed out.

Stores

The amount of baby stuff you need is overwhelming, whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It is important to think about storage when you choose a cot. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a top ranked cribs changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their use.

Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an edgier design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.

A variety of cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy - and it also looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will help stop your child from chewing on the wood that could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and come with a large drawer under the bed that is ideal to store blankets, toys clothing, and other cheap baby cots for sale necessities.

This is a great option when space is a problem but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel found it very easy to put together, thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler's crib when your child is ready.