10 Things People Hate About Cot Beds

How to Choose the best crib newborn Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it is essential to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your child. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

This slick and stylish coffin is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft and airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could create the risk of suffocation. There are many mattresses on the market that include coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers, so do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible the mattress is crucial to ensure your ease of use. It must provide the right support and promote an ideal posture. The slats should also be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats must also be firmly attached to the frame so that your child does not get caught when they move in their sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to buy, ask friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will aid in regulating your body temperature, and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

When it comes to style, there's a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with vibrant primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their little one to wake up bright and content!

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that aren't big or have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

Find a Best cot for newborn that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. This information can be found in the description of the product and the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping is a must. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended, because they can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has a drop side, ensure it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to drop when an adult is present, to prevent accidental release. If your cot has a solid end do not place it against the wall as it will block airflow and may contribute to coffin death. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends could be safer as they permit more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side choose this option as it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign they're ready to move into the junior bed.

Some cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a fantastic security measure that allows your child's cot to grow with the child. Some cots have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their bed.

When you place your child's cot, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. These can all pose a strangulation risk. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely, ask other parents or visit the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot has an instruction manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and be sure to follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and a stunning array of baby outfits. It's also easy to construct with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your child gets older (see the product's description for more details).

The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They prevent your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing the wood and also preventing them from suffocating. The cot also has drop-sides to make it easier for you to get access to your baby. We love that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid purchasing a new bed as your child gets ready to make the leap. However, they are more expensive upfront than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best cot bed choice for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space, but should your baby be expected to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you want a longer-lasting bed, you should consider a cot.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure your baby doesn't fall out.

Storage

The amount of baby stuff you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. Some cots have additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to increase their use.

Some cots can be transformed into day beds, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.

Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies and other small things. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is a important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots come with a more traditional design and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.

While this is a great option if you're in a tight space, it's important to keep in mind that you'll have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best cot bed and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready. This means it's a good investment too.