This Is A Cot Beds Success Story You ll Never Imagine
How to Choose the best Cot Bed Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that's secure and safe for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.
Our top choice is this simple but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and a storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available: coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child.
If you choose an ordinary or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The slats need to be secured and not sliding. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not get caught when they move in their sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Look for ones that are air-conditioned, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is great if you want your baby to wake up bright and cheerful!
Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also purchase a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. This information is available in the product description as well as the key specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep is a must. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, from simple foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the up position.
A drop side should only be allowed to fall when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental release. If your cot has a solid end do not place it against the wall because it can block airflow and can cause coffin death. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they permit more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed side, opt for this as it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots feature an option where the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will grow with your child which is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots have footplates that are adjustable, which is great for toddlers who want to sit up in their bed.
When placing your child's cot ensure there are no visible hazards. It should be put away from any heaters or power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any choking hazards like stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present danger.
If you're not sure what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for advice or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you go through it before using it and follow the directions.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh design will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the combination of natural wood and white, as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler bed and desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for details).
One of our favorite features are the teething rails that protect your baby from smacking their head against the cot's side or any protruding parts 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. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We love that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's built to last for four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which you'll find in the main specifications beneath each product.
Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about buying another bed until they're ready for the transition. However, they can be pricier upfront than a standard crib.
If your nursery is small cot beds, you might want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However should you be planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your room, or if you need a bed that will last longer, you should choose a cot sets.
A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling off.
Storage
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. There are a variety of cots and tots that have additional storage options, such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small single bed, extending their usefulness for a longer period of time.
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 an unstructured design since the process of conversion is simple and involves the removal of a side panel. This lets parents reduce the expense of a separate bed.
A number of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organized tidy and neat - and it also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.
A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could 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 clothing, and other baby necessities.
This is a great choice when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may also need to purchase a different mattress and best infant Cribs bedding as oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot itself.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel found it very 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's bed once your child is ready.