20 Things You Need To Know About Cot Beds
How to Choose the best cot beds (Recommended Browsing) for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child, it's important to choose a cot that will be secure and safe for your child. Find 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 range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Find a comfortable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could cause a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.
No matter if you choose a standard cheap cot bed or a convertible the mattress is vital to your comfort. It should provide adequate support and promote an upright posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats must be secured to the frame, so that your child doesn't get caught in them when moving in their sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they can help you regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
When it comes to style there's a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and happy when they awake.
The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who aren't tall enough or have medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.
For added peace of mind, look for a cot that is compliant with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the description or key specs.
Safety
When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep is a must. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child's arms or head). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.
A drop side should only be allowed to fall only when an adult is present, this will prevent accidental releases. Do not place your cot against the wall if it is a solid end. This can hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends could be safer as they permit more airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to transition into the junior bed.
Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a fantastic safety measure and enables your child's cot to expand with them. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.
Whenever you place your child in their cot, check that there is no visible danger. It must be away from heat sources and windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're buying second-hand or Cot Sale (Historydb.Date) heirloom furniture Be sure to check for potential choking hazards like stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and create the risk of.
If you're unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask parents around or go to a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual, make sure you go through it before using it and adhere to the directions.
Style
With its beautiful sleigh design This stunning crib will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural and white wood and the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).
One of our favourite features is the teething rails which protect your cheap baby cots from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, like the handle or corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting trapped. There's also drop-sides to allow you to get access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's built to last up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which you'll find in the key specs beneath each product.
Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid buying a new bed when your child is ready to make the leap. However, they can be more expensive than a crib that is standard.
If your nursery is small, you may want to consider a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan on spending a lot of your baby's time in the room, or if you need an item that lasts longer, you should opt for a cot.
A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to stop your child from falling out.
Stores
Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is the reason it's important to think about the storage options when you choose a cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, like drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler bed or a single bed, increasing their usefulness for a longer period of time.
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 prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is easy and only requires 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 dolls and other small objects. This allows you to keep everything organized tidy and neat and looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items will make it easier for parents to feed their baby.
Another feature worth looking out for is a teething rail that comes with some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby essentials.
This is a great choice for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. It is also possible to buy a new mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets aren't typically included in the cot.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be made into a toddler's crib when your child is ready.