Are You Getting The Most The Use Of Your Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best 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 little one. Find a cot which has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

Our top rated cots pick is this simple yet stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and an storage drawer. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds will keep children warm and cozy. Look for a soft and comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps which could pose the risk of suffocation. There are a range of mattresses available including coil springs, foam, 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 select a standard or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame so that your little one doesn't get trapped in them while moving in their sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Make sure you choose a mattress that's breathable, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are many styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with ornate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they awake.

Most cots come with an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase drop sides for small babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

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

Safety

When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your mattress has drop sides, make sure it is in the up position and locked securely.

A drop side should be allowed to fall only when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental releases. If your cot has a solid end do not place it against the wall since it will block airflow and may contribute to death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side you should choose this because it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and pull themselves up. When 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 to allow it to grow with your child This is extremely convenient and an added safety measure. Some cots 4 tots have adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their beds.

When you place your child's cot be sure that there are no visible hazards. It should be kept away from heaters and power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and pose a danger.

If you're not sure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh-style design will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural and white wood, as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappy and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of 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 description for more details).

One of our favorite features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head against the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cheap cot bed, like handles or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being trapped. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We love that it can be converted into an infant 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 specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This lets you avoid buying a new crib when your child is ready to go up. They can be more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best option for you since it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' room or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a crib.

A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats must not be too wide apart to prevent your child from falling out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of items the baby cots online (go directly to Lovewiki) will require is immense. This is why it's essential to think about the storage options when you choose the cot bed. Many cots come with additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to extend their usage.

Some cots can be transformed into day beds, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is fairly easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

A few cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organized, neat and tidy and also looks amazing. Being able to access these items makes it easier for parents when feeding their baby.

A teething rail is a desired feature that is found in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots have an older style and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea for when you're in a tight space, it's important to remember that you will require a separate extra drawer. You may need to buy a separate mattress and bedding, as oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's a good investment too.