The Most Underrated Companies To Watch In Cot Beds Industry
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child, it's important to choose a cot that's safe and secure for your child. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.
This simple but stylish cot is our top pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It is also simple to put together, and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best crib cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could pose the danger of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a range of mattresses available including coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and select the right one for your baby's needs.
Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is essential to the comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage an upright posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not get caught when they move during sleep.
If you're not sure which mattress to purchase, talk to friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Choose breathable mattresses, as they help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and happy when they awake.
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 also purchase a drop-side for babies who are small or suffer from health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.
Choose a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information is found in the description of the product and key specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. 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/cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Check that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in a variety of materials including foam and natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is locked and in the upward position.
A drop side should be allowed to go down only if an adult is present; to prevent accidental release. If your cot has a solid end, avoid placing it against the wall because it will block airflow and may contribute to coffin death. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges are safer since they allow for more airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the most secure option for your baby as they start to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to move into a junior bed.
Some cots have features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights in order to increase with your child's growth - this is very useful and is a security measure. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who love to stand up.
If you are putting your child in their cot, make sure that there isn't any visible danger - it should be away from heaters and windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're buying furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose the risk of.
If you're not sure 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 a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
With its beautiful sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its smart features, including drawers under the bed to store everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and a dazzling assortment of baby clothes. It's also easy to put together with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your child gets older (see the product description for details).
The teething rails are among our top rated cots features. They keep your baby from hitting their head against the crib's side or any protruding portion of the best crib for newborn, like the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing the wood and also preventing them from getting suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your infant. We are thrilled that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and it is sturdy enough to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for 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 buying another bed until they're ready for the transition. However, they may be more expensive upfront than the crib that is standard.
If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best cots for newborns option for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space. However, if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' bedroom or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.
If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby mattress cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won't fall off.
Storage
The amount of baby gear you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. It's crucial 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 top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to extend their use.
Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the process of conversion is simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.
Some cot beds come with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies and other small things. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks beautiful. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their baby.
A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This will help stop your child from chewing on the wood which could cause irritation. Some cots have a more traditional design and come with a large storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby essentials.
This is a great solution for those who have limited space but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets aren't typically included in the cot.
This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It is suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.