How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your child. Look for sale cot that has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.
This minimalist, elegant cot is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.
Comfort
The most comfortable cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft and comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress fits snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause a suffocation risk. There are a range of mattresses available that include coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. So do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.
If you choose an ordinary or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which must be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must be securely attached to the frame so that your child isn't trapped in them while moving during sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. 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 a myriad of styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours, which is ideal when you want your little one to wake up feeling bright and content!
Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing 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.
Choose a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information is found in the product description and key specifications.
Safety
A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major aspect to consider when choosing a crib. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in 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 upward position.
Drop sides should only be permitted to fall when an adult is present in the room. This prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This can restrict airflow, which can lead to coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they permit more airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It's the most secure choice for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to transition into a junior bed.
Some cots feature an option where the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will increase with your child's growth which is extremely useful and is a safety measure. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are great for toddlers who want to sit up in their beds.
When placing your child's cot, make sure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be kept away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all pose a strangulation risk. When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to check for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and pose a danger.
If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for help or take part in a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and follow the safety guidelines closely.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style This stunning crib will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of natural wood and white, as well as the clever features like drawers under the bed for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed when your child gets older (see 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 cot, such as handles or a corner post, and which can also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being trapped. It also features an opening that can be removed to allow you to get access to your baby. We love that it can be converted to an infant bed, and it is sturdy enough 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 are typically larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed at an age when they're ready to transition. However, they can be pricier upfront than a standard crib.
If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best choice for you as it is smaller and occupies less space. However, if your baby is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you want a longer-lasting bed, consider a crib.
A crib isn't safe 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 covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't fall off.
Storage
The amount of baby gear you need is overwhelming, regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. It's crucial to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, including drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their use.
Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. mini cot beds is a great choice for those who like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of one side panel. This lets parents save on the cost of an additional bed.
A number of cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.
A teething rail is a desired feature that is found in some cots. This can prevent your little one chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots have an older style and have a huge storage drawer under the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.
This is a great solution if space is an issue however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding since sheets and mattresses that are oval are not typically included with the cot itself.
This sleigh-style cot bed a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a spacious under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep baby's essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. Our panel found it very easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready. This means it's also a good value.