10 Undeniable Reasons People Hate Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

Our top pick is this basic but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could create a risk of being suffocated. There are a range of mattresses on the market including coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research and select the best one for your baby's needs.

No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is essential to the comfort. It should provide proper support and promote an ideal posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be secured to the frame, so that your little one doesn't get stuck in them while they move in their sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, ask friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful as they wake up.

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot tots and cots height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who aren't big or suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

Find a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily be transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. Find this information in the description or in the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be a priority. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or mini cot beds-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.

A drop side should be allowed to drop when an adult is present - this prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge be sure to avoid placing it against the wall as it can block airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer as they allow more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the safest option for your baby when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels to allow it to grow with your child This is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who want to stand up.

When placing your child's cot ensure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be kept away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. All of these could present a strangulation threat. If you're buying furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose the risk of.

If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for help or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide, make sure you go through it before using it and follow all the directions.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style, this gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the mix of natural wood and white and the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and a wide 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 toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).

One of our favorite features is the teething rails which protect your baby from bumping their head against the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot like the handle or corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting trapped. It also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your infant. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a new bed until they're ready to transition. They can be more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best baby cots option for you since it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your child is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' rooms or you want a longer-lasting bed, opt for a crib.

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of baby cot mattresses), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't get tossed out.

Stores

If you're a new parent or a seasoned one the amount of items the baby will require is immense. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when selecting the right cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their usability for longer.

Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of an additional bed.

Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies along with other small objects. This makes everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks beautiful. Having easy access to these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their baby.

A teething rail is a desired feature that is found in some cots 4 tots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots feature a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby necessities.

This is a great solution if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It is suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler's bed when your child's ready.