Five Killer Quora Answers To Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best cot for newborn Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose a cot that's secure and safe for your little one. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.
Our top choice is this simple but stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could create an suffocation threat. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.
No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible cot the mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage an ideal posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be firmly attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, so that your child isn't caught in them when moving during sleep.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Look for ones that are air-conditioned, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
In terms of style there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful when they awake.
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate baby's growth. You can even buy a drop side for smaller babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
For extra security, opt for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is right. Find this information in the description or in the specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Check that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in different materials, from foam to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the up position.
Drop sides should only be permitted down only when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has an end that is solid. This could limit airflow, which could lead to coffin death. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends may be safer because they allow for greater airflow.
If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It's the most secure choice for your child when they start to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to transition into the junior bed.
Some cots have a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will grow with your child - this is very convenient and an added security measure. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.
When placing your child's cot be sure that there are no visible hazards. It should be placed away from heaters and power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could pose a strangulation risk. If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture, check for hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that may peel off and present danger.
If you are unsure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has an instruction manual, read it carefully before using it, and then follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding and an enviable variety of baby outfits. It is also easy to put together with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).
The teething rails are among our most loved features. They keep your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any other protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing on the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also drop-sides to allow you to access your newborn. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's built to last for four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the main specifications beneath each product.
Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned 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 transition. They may cost more than a crib.
If your nursery is small, you may be considering a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom or if you require a bed that will last longer, you should consider a crib.
A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too close together to ensure that your baby won't fall off.
Stores
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. A number of cots have additional storage options, such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their use.
Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of an additional bed.
A few cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby.
Another desirable feature to look out for is a teething rail which is included with cots. This will help prevent your little one chewing on the wood that could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and include a large drawer under the bed that is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothing, and other baby essentials.
While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you should remember that you will need to buy a separate additional drawer. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval are not typically included with the cot itself.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's perfect for keeping all those baby cots online essentials out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's also a good cribs value.