Are You Making 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's important to choose a cot that's safe and secure for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.
This simple but elegant cot is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds will keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could cause a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available - foam, coils springs, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.
No matter if you select an ordinary or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be secured to the frame, so your child isn't caught in them when moving in their sleep.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online cots reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they will help regulate your body temperature and less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
When it comes to fashion there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bright primary colors, which is ideal for those who want their child to wake up feeling fresh and cheerful!
Most cots come with an under-bed drawer for storage and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also buy an extra drop-side for babies that aren't big or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and will easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the description or in the key specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment is a must. 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 can trap the child's arms or head). Make sure it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended, since they could 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 allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and locked securely.
Drop sides should only be allowed down when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Do not place your cot against a wall if it has a solid end. This will restrict airflow, which can result in death of the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer because they allow more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge, opt for this as it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign they're ready to transition into the junior bed.
Some cots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a wonderful security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with the child. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted, which are great for toddlers who want to sit up in their bed.
When you place your child's cot, make sure 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. When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to check for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They can come off and pose a danger.
If you're unsure of how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for advice or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with instructions, read them carefully before you begin using it, and be sure to follow the safety guidelines closely.
Style
This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, and its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding, and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler's desk and bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).
One of our favorite features is the teething rails, which shield your baby from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot like handles or a corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being in danger of being suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last for up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.
Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed until they're ready for the transition. They may cost more than cribs.
If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best choice for you since it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, opt for a cot.
A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats shouldn't be too close together, to ensure your baby doesn't fall off.
Stores
If you're a new parent or an experienced one, the amount of stuff a baby needs is staggering. This is why it's essential to consider storage options when choosing the right crib bed. Some cots have additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small cot beds single bed, which can extend 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 option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the process of conversion is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed.
Some cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies, as well as other small items. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. The ease of access to these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their infant.
Another thing to look for is a toothing rail that is available with cots. This will help prevent your little one chewing on the wood, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and include a large under-bed storage drawer which is perfect to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby essentials.
While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, it's important to keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate additional drawer. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding, as oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed is a beautiful example of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage space that is perfect for keeping all baby essentials away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be made into a toddler's crib when your child's ready.