14 Questions You re Refused To Ask Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a baby it is essential to choose a cot that can provide security and safety for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot mattress keeps children comfortable and warm. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps which could cause an suffocation threat. There are a variety of mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the right one for your baby's needs.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot the mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It must provide the right support and promote an ideal posture. The slats should also be secured and not sliding. The slats need to be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child does not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Look for ones that are breathable, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours which is perfect if you want your little one to wake up bright and happy!

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who are small or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For added peace of mind, look for a mini cot beds that complies with the strict UK safety standards and can easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. Find this information in the product description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is an essential factor when selecting a crib. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in a variety of materials, from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has drop sides, make sure it is in the upward position and secured.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go down when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. If your cot has a solid end, avoid placing it against the wall because it can block airflow and could cause the death of a coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer as they allow more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it is the most secure option when your child starts to crawl and climb up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots have a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will expand with your child which is extremely useful and is a security measure. Some cots have adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their bed.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure that there is no visible danger - it should be away from heaters and windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.

If you are unsure about how to use your cot, consult other parents for help or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual, make sure you go through it prior to using it and follow all the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler bed or desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).

One of our most loved features is the teething rails that protect your baby from smacking their head against the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot, like the handle or corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being trapped. There's also drop-sides to allow you to access your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which can be found in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are usually larger 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 transition. However, they may be more expensive than a standard crib.

If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best choice for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space, but should your cheap baby cots for sale be expected to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a cot.

A crib isn't safe 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 mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too far apart to stop your child from falling out.

Stores

Whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of things the baby will require is immense. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. Some cots have additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to extend their use.

Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an edgier design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed.

A variety of cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organised, neat and tidy and looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another desirable feature to look out for is a teething rail which is included with some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with an older style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect to store blankets, toys, clothes and other baby essentials.

While this is a great option if you're running out of space, you must be aware that you'll have to purchase an extra drawer. You may also need to purchase a different mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't typically included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby's essentials out of view but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's a good investment too.