15 Surprising Facts About Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby cots online it's crucial to select the right cot that is safe and secure for your little one. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

This minimalist, stylish crib is our top pick from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It is also simple to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps which could pose the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses on the market - foam, coil springs and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research before deciding on the right one for your baby's needs.

No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It should provide adequate support and promote an upright posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats must be securely attached to the frame, so your child doesn't get stuck in them while they move in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or browse online cots reviews. Choose a mattress that is air-conditioned, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

There are many styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with ornate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors which is perfect when you want your little one to wake up bright and content!

Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also buy an extra drop-side for babies that are small or suffer from medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cheap cot beds that meets the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. This information is available in the product description as well as the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted 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). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials, from foam to natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to fall only if an adult is present, this will prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall as it will block airflow and could cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it's safer when your Baby Cot Bed starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they're ready to move into the junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with them. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are great for toddlers who want to sit up in their bed.

If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure that there is no obvious danger - it should be away from heaters or windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and create the risk of.

If you're not sure how to safely use your sale cot, ask other parents for help or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you read it before using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding and an enviable variety of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed or desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).

The rails for teething are among our top features. They prevent your child from hitting their head against the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood and preventing them from suffocating. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. 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, which are listed in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed until they're ready for the transition. However, they can be more expensive than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best choice for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space, but should your baby be expected to spend most of the time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a cot.

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other key elements in baby mattress cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't fall out.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is why it's essential to think about storage options when choosing the crib bed. Many cots come with additional storage solutions available such as drawers in the under-bed or a 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 cots can be transformed into day beds, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This lets parents save money on the purchase of a separate bed.

A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This allows you to keep everything organized tidy and neat and looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another feature worth looking out for is a teething rail which is included in a few cots. This can help to stop your child from chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots come with an older style and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby essentials.

This is a great choice if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding since sheets and mattresses that are oval are not typically included with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot is stunning illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby's essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.