15 Amazing Facts About Cot Beds

How to Choose the best cot bed Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting your first child, it is important to choose a cot that will provide safety and security for your baby. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a soft and airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could pose a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the best crib for newborn one for your child.

No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is essential to comfort. It must provide the right support and promote an ideal posture. The same is true for the slats, which must be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame so that your child isn't stuck in them while they move in their sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

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

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase a drop side for petite babies or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Look for a cot which is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily be transformed into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information is found in the description of the product and key specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses 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 a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position.

Drop sides should only be permitted down when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. If your cot has a solid end do not place it against the wall since it will block airflow and can cause coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they permit more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It's the most secure option for your child when they begin to crawl and pull themselves upward. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will expand with your child - this is very convenient and an added safety measure. Other cots come with adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to stand up in their bed.

When putting your child's cot in the crib be sure that there are no visible hazards. It should be kept away from heaters and power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. All of these could create strangulation risks. If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that can be removed and pose the risk of.

If you're unsure of about how to use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and an enviable assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They keep your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from being suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your baby. We are thrilled that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and it's built to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing an entirely new bed as your child gets ready to go up. However, they can be more expensive upfront than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery cots isn't big enough, you might be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your room, or if you need an item that lasts longer, you should consider a crib.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not 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 essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats shouldn't be too close together, to ensure that your baby won't fall out.

Stores

The amount of baby gear you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. A number of cots have additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler bed or a single bed, which can extend their use for a longer time.

Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who like an edgier design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a bed purchase.

Some cot beds are equipped with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and dolls and other small objects. This makes everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another thing to look for is a toothing rail that is available in a few cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with an older style and have a huge drawer under the bed that is ideal for storing blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea for when you're running out of space, it's important to keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate additional drawer. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's good value too.