Five Killer Quora Answers On Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your little one. Look for a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.
Our top ranked cribs pick is this simple yet elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and an storage drawer. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could create a risk of being suffocated. There are many types of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child.
It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage a healthy posture. The slats must be securely attached and not sliding. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame so that your child isn't stuck in them while they move in their sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Make sure you choose a mattress that's ventilated, as they'll aid in to regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.
There are a variety of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and happy when they awake.
There are a lot of cots that have an under-bed drawer 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 to accommodate baby's 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.
For extra peace of mind, search for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. Find 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 fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Check that it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended, as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even have 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 to fall when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall as it will block airflow and can cause coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow more airflow.
If your cot has a fixed side you should choose this because it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a wonderful security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with their needs. Some cots offers have adjustable footplates, which are great for toddlers who want to stand up in their bed.
When placing your child's cot be sure that there are no visible hazards. It should be placed away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.
If you are unsure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for help or go to a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before using it, and follow the safe-use instructions closely.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, and its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including bedding, nappies and an enviable array of baby outfits. It is also easy to construct, with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for more details).
The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They prevent your child from hitting their head against the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing the wood and also preventing them from suffocating. There's also drop-sides to make it easier for you to get access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.
Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a new bed at an age when they're ready to move on. They are more expensive than a 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. However, should your baby be expected to spend much of their time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, consider a crib.
A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling out.
Storage
If you're a new parent or a veteran the amount of things the baby will require is immense. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when choosing the cot bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant bed or a small single bed to increase their usage.
Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is fairly simple and involves the removal of a side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed.
A few cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy and looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.
A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and include a large under-bed storage drawer that is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothes, and other baby essentials.
This is a great choice for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready. This means it's good value too.