14 Misconceptions Common To Cot Beds

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

If you're expecting a baby cots online it's crucial to select the right cot that is secure and safe for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and best cots uk make sure the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps which could pose an suffocation threat. There are many types of mattresses available - foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child.

It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is vital to your comfort. It should provide proper support and promote a healthy posture. The slats should also be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame, so that your child isn't stuck in them while they move during sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they can help regulate your body temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

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

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even buy a drop side for smaller babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

To ensure your security, opt for a cot that is compliant with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. Look for this information in the description or in the specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be the top priority. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers and some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.

Drop sides should only be permitted to fall when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental release. If your cot has a solid end be sure to avoid placing it against the wall since it can block airflow and can cause coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer as they allow more airflow.

If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a fantastic security feature that allows your child's cot to grow with the child. Some cots also have footplates that can be adjusted, which are great crib for toddlers who want to sit up in their bed.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, check that there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources, windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look out for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and pose a danger.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely you can ask other parents or attend a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you read it before using it and follow the instructions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh-style design will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the mix of natural and white wood and the clever features like under-bed storage drawers for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It is also easy to put together, with clear instructions tots and cots screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed when your child gets older (see product description for more information).

One of our most loved features is the teething rails that protect your baby from bumping their head on the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot, such as handles or a corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting trapped. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into a toddler bed, and it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid buying a new crib when your child's ready to move up. However, they may be more expensive than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, you may think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in the room or if you require a bed that will last longer, you should consider a cot.

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 babies. The slats shouldn't be too close together to ensure that your Baby Cot Bed won't fall off.

Storage

The amount of baby stuff you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when selecting the cot bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage solutions available like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed to extend their usage.

Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the process of conversion is simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.

A variety of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their infant.

Another feature worth looking for is a toothing rail which is included with cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and come with a large drawer under the bed that is ideal to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby essentials.

This is a great choice if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets aren't typically included in the cot.

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 essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.