5 Killer Quora Answers On Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting a baby it is crucial to select a cot which can provide security and safety for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress is snug to eliminate any gaps that could pose a risk of being suffocated. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It should provide proper support and encourage an upright posture. The slats should also be securely attached and not sliding. The slats must be secured to the frame so that your child isn't caught in them when moving in their sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to buy, consult friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Choose breathable mattresses, as they can help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

When it comes to fashion there's a broad selection from classic sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful when they wake up.

You'll find most cots have a drawer underneath for storage, teething rails to protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot for sale and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that aren't tall enough or suffer from health issues that make it hard to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, look for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the product description or in the specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major factor when selecting a bed. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Make sure it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't advised since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in a variety of materials, from foam to natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the upward position.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go down when an adult is present in the room. This prevents accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge do not place it against the wall since it will block airflow and can cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they allow more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side, opt for this as it is the most recommended cribs secure option when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a great security measure that allows the cot of your child to grow with them. Some cots have footplates that are adjustable, which is great for toddlers who want to sit up in their beds.

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

If you're not sure about how to use your cot, ask other parents for help or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh style will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of white and natural pine, and its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and a dazzling assortment of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for details).

One of our most loved features is the teething rails, which shield your baby from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, such as handles or a corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough 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 typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed until they're ready to move on. However, they may be more expensive than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best crib for newborn choice 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're looking for a more durable bed, opt for a cot.

If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements in baby cot mattresses), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby stuff you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. This is why it's crucial to think about the storage options when you choose a cot bed. Some cots have additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted to a toddler or a small single bed, which can extend their usability for longer.

Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the process of conversion is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to save money on a separate bed.

A few cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy - and it also looks fantastic. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their baby.

Another desirable feature to look for is a teething rail which is included with cots. This can prevent your little one chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and have a huge drawer under the bed that is perfect to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, you should remember that you will require a separate extra for the drawer. You may also need to purchase a different mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets 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 all the baby's essentials out of view but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to put together for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's good value too.