15 Surprising Facts About Cot Beds

How to Choose the best cots Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

This simple but stylish cot is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The Best Cot Bed cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft and airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could pose a suffocation risk. There are a range of mattresses on the market that include coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers, so do your research before deciding on the right one for your baby's requirements.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. The slats should also be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats must be securely fixed to the frame so that your child doesn't get caught in them when moving during sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to pick from that include traditional sleighs with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they awake.

Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate your child's growth. You can even purchase a drop side for smaller babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information can be found in the product description and the key specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gaps between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall only if an adult is present; this prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your Mini Cot Bed against walls if it has a solid end. This could hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots could be safer as they permit more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side you should choose this because it's safer when your child begins to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots have a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to grow with your child - this is very practical and a great security measure. Other cots to tots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to stand up in their bed.

When placing your child's cot ensure there are no visible hazards. It should be placed away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could create strangulation risks. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, make sure to look out for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and pose a danger.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner consult other parents or attend the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your crib comes with a manual, make sure you read it before using it and follow the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh-style design will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural wood and white and the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It is also easy to build, with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed as your child grows older (see product description for more information).

One of our most loved features are 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, such as handles or a corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from being in danger of being suffocated. It also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your baby. We are thrilled that it can be converted into an infant bed, and it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This lets you not have to buy an entirely new bed as your child gets ready to move up. However, they are more expensive than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom, or if you need a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a cot.

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

Stores

Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran, the amount of stuff that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when choosing the right crib bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed into a toddler bed or a single bed, increasing their use for a longer time.

Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to reduce the expense of a separate bed.

A variety of cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with an older style and include a large drawer under the bed that is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothing, and other baby necessities.

This is a great option if space is an issue, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately because oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best baby cots and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but still within reach. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's a good investment too.