This Is The Advanced Guide To Cot Beds

How to Choose the best rated cribs Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting your first child it is crucial to choose a cot that can provide security and safety for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict 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 an storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.

It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is vital to your ease of use. It should provide proper support and encourage a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must be securely attached to the frame so that your little one doesn't get stuck in them while they move in their sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for suggestions. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will aid in regulating your body temperature and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

When it comes to style there's a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors, which is ideal for those who want their little one to wake up feeling bright and happy!

The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate your child's growth. You can even buy a drop side for smaller infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For added peace of mind, search for a cot that complies with 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 specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot a safe sleeping environment is a must. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the up position.

Drop sides should only be permitted down only when an adult is present in the room. This will prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has an end that is solid. This could restrict airflow, which can result in death of the coffin. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots could be safer as they permit more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your child when they start to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option where the base can be raised to three different levels to allow it to grow with your child which is extremely useful and is a security measure. Some cheap cots have adjustable footplates, which are great for toddlers who want to stand up in their bed.

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

If you're not sure how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask parents around or go to a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before using it, and follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding, and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product description for details).

One of our favourite features is the teething rails, which shield your baby from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot, such as handles or a corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming trapped. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a new bed until they're ready to move on. However, they can be pricier upfront than a standard crib.

If your nursery cots is small, you might want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning to spend a significant portion of your Baby Cot's time in your room or if you require a bed that will last longer, you should consider a cot.

A cot 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 deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too wide apart to prevent your child from falling out.

Storage

If you're a new parent or an experienced one, the amount of stuff that a baby requires is overwhelming. It is important to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. A number of cots have additional storage solutions available like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to extend their usage.

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

A number of cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks great. Having easy access to these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their infant.

A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots feature more traditional designs and come with a large storage drawer underneath the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby necessities.

While this is a great idea for when you're short on space, you should remember that you will need to buy a separate extra drawer. You may also need to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't typically included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a lovely example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. Our panel found it very straightforward to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready. This means it's good value too.