Five Killer Quora Answers To 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 will be safe and secure for your child. Find a cot which has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.
Our top choice is this simple but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds (visit here) keep children warm and cozy. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could cause a risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses on the market including coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.
No matter if you select a standard or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a mattress of high-quality that is supportive and promotes a healthy posture. The slats must be secured and not sliding. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame, so your little one doesn't get stuck in them while they move in their sleep.
If you're not sure what mattress to buy, consult your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Look for ones that are air-conditioned, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.
In terms of style there's a variety of styles, from traditional sleigh styles with intricate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted in vibrant primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their Baby Cot Bed to wake up bright and cheerful!
The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for babies who are small or suffer from health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.
For added security, opt for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. This information is found in the product description as well as key specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep is a must. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Check that it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the upward position.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go to fall when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. If your cot has a solid end, avoid placing it against the wall as this will restrict airflow and may contribute to death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they permit more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed side you should choose this because it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a wonderful security measure that allows your child's cot to expand with them. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who love to stand up.
When you place your child's Mini Cot Bed, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be kept away from heaters and power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could present a strangulation threat. If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, Cheap Cot Bed check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and create the risk of.
If you are unsure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for help or take part in a local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you read it before using it and follow all the instructions.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the mix of white and natural wood as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate sets 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 information).
The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They stop your baby from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. It also has a drop-side for easier access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's built to last for four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the main specifications below each product.
Cot beds are generally bigger 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 until they're ready to move on. However, they are pricier upfront than a standard crib.
If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best option for you as it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your child is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you want a longer-lasting bed, consider a cot.
If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements in baby cot mattresses) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too wide apart to prevent your child from falling out.
Storage
The amount of baby gear you need is overwhelming, regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. This is why it's essential to think about storage options when selecting the cot bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler bed or a single bed, extending their usefulness for a longer period of time.
Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of a separate bed.
A few cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy - and it also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.
Another feature worth looking out for is a teething rail which is included with some cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which could cause irritation. Some cots feature a more traditional design and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, baby essentials.
This is a great solution for those who have limited space but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may have to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby necessities 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 babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's good cribs value too.