5 Things That Everyone Doesn t Know About Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting a child, it is important to select a cot which can provide security and safety for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.
Our top choice is this simple but stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Find a comfortable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could pose the danger of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a range of mattresses on the market that include coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research and select the right one for your baby's needs.
No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is essential to ease of use. It must provide the right support and encourage an ideal posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move in their sleep.
If you're not sure what mattress to purchase, talk to your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Choose a mattress that is ventilated, as they'll aid in regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.
In terms of style, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted with vibrant primary colours which is great for those who want their baby to wake up bright and content!
The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate your child's growth. You can also buy an extra drop-side for babies that are small or suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
For added peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant cot bed bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.
Safety
A safe sleeping environment is a must and a major aspect to consider when choosing a crib sets. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can trap the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers and some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and locked securely.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go to fall when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental releases. If your cot has a solid end be sure to avoid placing it against the wall as it will block airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots may be safer because they allow for greater airflow.
If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it's safer when your child begins to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into a junior bed.
Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a great security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with the child. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who like to stand up.
When you put your child in their cot, check that there is no visible danger. It must be kept away from heaters, windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any 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 use your cot in a safe manner consult parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you start using it, and then follow the safety guidelines closely.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of white and natural pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including bedding, nappies and a stunning array of baby outfits. It's also easy to build, with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler bed and desk when your child gets older (see the product description for details).
One of our favourite features are the teething rails which protect your baby from bumping their head on the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot, like handles or a corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from getting trapped. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last for up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the main specifications beneath each product.
Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a new bed at an age when they're ready to move on. They can be more expensive than cribs.
If your nursery isn't big enough, you might be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in the room, or if you need a bed that will last longer, you should choose a crib.
A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling off.
Storage
Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of items a baby needs is staggering. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. Some cots have additional storage options, including drawers under the bed or a coordinating top rated cots changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to increase their usage.
Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This lets parents save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.
A variety of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy and looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for parents to feed their child.
Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail which is included with some cots. This will help stop your child from chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots come with more traditional designs and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby essentials.
While this is a great idea for when you're short on space, you should be aware that you'll require a separate extra for the drawer. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot for sale bed is a beautiful example of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep baby's essentials out of sight but still easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's also a good value.