The Cot Beds Success Story You ll Never Remember
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
When you are expecting a child, it is important 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 be in line with UK safety standards.
This simple but elegant coffin is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best rated cribs cot bed keeps infants comfortable and warm. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps that could cause the danger of being suffocated. There are many types of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child.
If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a mattress of high-quality that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. This is also true for the slats. They should be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement during sleep.
If you're not sure what mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
When it comes to fashion, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted in bright primary colors which is perfect when you want your baby to wake up bright and happy!
Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who aren't tall enough or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.
For added peace of mind, look for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and will easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. This information is found in the product description as well as key specifications.
Safety
A safe and secure sleeping environment is essential and a big consideration when choosing a bed. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no 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). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't advised as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position.
Drop sides should only be allowed to fall when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental release. Do not place your cot against the wall if it is an end that is solid. This will limit airflow, which could cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges could be safer as they permit more airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the safest option for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots offers come with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a wonderful security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with the child. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who like to stand up.
When putting your child's cot in the crib, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could pose a strangulation risk. If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for choking hazards like stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and create a risk.
If you're not sure how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before using it, and then follow the safety guidelines closely.
Style
With its stunning sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of white and natural wood, as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappy and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to put together with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk and bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).
One of our favorite features is the teething rails that protect your little one from smacking their head against the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot like a handle or a corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming suffocated. There's also a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into an infant bed, and it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the key specs beneath each product.
Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed at an age when they're ready to transition. However, they may be pricier upfront than the standard crib.
If your nursery isn't big enough, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan to spend a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom or if you require a bed that lasts longer, you should consider a cot.
If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of baby mattress cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to stop your child from falling out.
Storage
The amount of cheap baby cots equipment you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. This is why it's crucial to consider storage options when selecting the cot bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler bed or a single bed, extending their use for a longer time.
Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer more flexible designs as the process of conversion is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.
Some cot beds are equipped with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies along with other small items. This makes everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.
A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and include a large drawer under the bed that is perfect to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby essentials.
While this is a great idea if you're running out of space, you must remember that you will require a separate extra drawer. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot itself.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but still within reach. Our panel found it very easy to put together thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's good cribs value too.