A Step-By Step Guide To Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting your first child it is crucial to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

This simple but stylish cot is our top pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot mattress keeps infants comfortable and warm. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could create a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available: coils springs, foam, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best cot newborn one for your child.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child does not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they can help you regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their baby to wake up feeling bright and content!

You'll find most cots have an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can even purchase drop sides for small babies or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For added peace of mind, search for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the product description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is essential and a big aspect to consider when choosing a bed. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could 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 have anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure it is in the up position and locked securely.

A drop side should be allowed to drop only if an adult is present - this will prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall as this will restrict airflow and could cause coffin death. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends may be safer because they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is set on one side, then you can choose it. It's the most secure option for your child when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to transition into a junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a great safety measure and enables your child's cot to expand with their needs. Some cots have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their beds.

If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure whether there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources or windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for choking hazards like stickers and transfers that can peel off and present the risk of.

If you're unsure of what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for help or attend a local NCT New cheap baby cots for sale class. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the combination of natural wood and white and the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappy and a wide selection 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 or bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more details).

One of our favourite features are the teething rails that protect your baby from bumping their head on the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot like handles or a corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming trapped. It also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last 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 usually larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about buying another bed when they're ready for the transition. However, they may be more expensive upfront than the standard crib.

If your nursery is small, you might be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in your room or you need a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a cot.

A crib isn't safe 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 (Link Home Page) mattresses. The slats should not be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won't fall off.

Stores

Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of items a baby needs is staggering. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot for sale. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage solutions available like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top ranked cribs changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.

Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies and other small items. This helps to keep everything organized tidy and neat and also looks fantastic. Being able to access these items makes it easier for parents when feeding their infant.

A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots have an older style and have a huge storage drawer underneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby essentials.

This is a great solution when space is a problem but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You may need to buy bedding and a mattress separately because oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep baby essentials out of sight but within easy reach. Our panel of experts found it straightforward to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.