Five Killer Quora Answers On Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it is essential to select a cot that's secure and safe for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

This slick and elegant crib is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It is also simple to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could create the risk of suffocation. There are a range of mattresses on the market that include coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers, so do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is vital to your ease of use. It must provide the right support and encourage an ideal posture. The slats must be secured and not sagging. The slats should also be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

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

There are a myriad of styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they awake.

Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage, teething rails to protect your child 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 with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

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

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major factor when selecting a cot. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Make sure it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended, as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for Cribs Beds allergy sufferers. Some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to drop when an adult is present, this will prevent accidental release. Do not place your cot against walls if it has an end that is solid. This will hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots are safer since they allow for greater airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it's safer when your child starts to crawl and climb up. When your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to transition into a junior bed.

Some cots and tots have an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a great safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with the child. Some cots also have footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their bed.

When putting your child's cot in the crib ensure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from heaters and power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could present a strangulation threat. 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 transfers that can peel off and present the risk of.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you go through it before using it and follow all the directions.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and an enviable variety of baby outfits. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for more details).

The rails for teething are among our top features. They keep your baby from hitting their head against the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing the wood and also preventing them from getting suffocated. It also features a drop-side to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last for up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the key specs below each product.

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

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

A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure that your child doesn't fall out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of items the baby will require is immense. This is why it's essential to think about the storage options when you choose the cot bed. Some cots have additional storage options, like drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed to extend their use.

Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an edgier design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of a single side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.

A few cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organized, neat and tidy - and it also looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is an additional desired feature that is found in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which can cause irritation. Some cots feature an older style and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, you must remember that you will require a separate extra for the drawer. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets aren't typically included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's a good investment too.