A Step-By Step Guide To Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby it is essential to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your child. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.
This slick and elegant cot is our top pick from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.
Comfort
The Best cot for newborn cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps which could pose the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the best one for your child.
Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is essential to comfort. It must provide the right support and promote an upright posture. The slats must be securely attached and not sagging. The slats should also be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child will not get caught when they move in their sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they will aid in regulating your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.
When it comes to style there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they awake.
Most cots come with an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that are small or have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.
For added peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the product description or in the specifications.
Safety
A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big factor when selecting a crib. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gaps between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in various materials including foam and natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your sale cot has a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.
Drop sides should only be permitted down only when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against a wall if it has an end that is solid. This will restrict airflow, which can cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots could be safer as they allow for more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge, opt for this as it's safer when your baby 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 have a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a fantastic security feature that allows your child's cot to grow with their needs. Some cots 4 tots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who like to stand up.
When placing your child's cot ensure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. They all could pose a strangulation risk. If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece Be sure to check for potential dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and pose a risk.
If you are unsure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you start using it, and then follow the safety guidelines closely.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style, this gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural wood and white as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappy and an impressive array of baby clothes. It is also easy to put together with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).
The rails for teething are among our top features. They stop your child from hitting their head against the crib's side or any other protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and it is sturdy enough 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 typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed when they're ready to transition. However, they are more expensive than the crib that is standard.
If your nursery is small, you may be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan on spending a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom or if you require an item that lasts longer, you should opt for a crib.
If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements in baby mattress cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling off.
Stores
The amount of baby gear you need is overwhelming, regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. It's important to consider storage when selecting a cot. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage solutions available such as drawers in the under-bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted to a toddler or a small single bed, increasing their usefulness for a longer period of time.
Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.
A few cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks beautiful. The ease of access to these items will make it easier for parents when feeding their infant.
Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail that comes in a few cots. This will help keep your baby from chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is perfect for storing blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.
This is a great option when space is a problem but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best cot bed - Click In this article - and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It is suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child's ready.