How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
When you are expecting a child it is crucial to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that 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 storage drawers. It is also simple to put together, and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot mattress keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could cause a risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.
Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible the mattress is crucial to ensure your ease of use. It should provide proper support and encourage an upright posture. The same is true for the slats. They should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must be securely attached to the frame, so your little one doesn't get trapped in them while moving in their sleep.
If you're not sure which mattress to purchase, talk to your family and friends or consult online reviews for suggestions. Make sure you choose a mattress that's ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
When it comes to style there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful as they wake up.
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even purchase drop sides for small infants or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
Choose a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. Find this information in the description or key specs.
Safety
When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be a priority. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can hold the child's arms and head). Check that the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety 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 secured and in the upward position.
Drop sides should only be permitted to fall when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against the wall if it is an end that is solid. This will restrict airflow, which can lead to coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer because they permit more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed side you should choose this because it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign they're ready to transition into the junior bed.
Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a wonderful security feature that allows the cot of your child to grow with them. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who like to stand up.
When you place your child's cot, make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could pose a strangulation risk. If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any choking hazards like stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present the risk of.
If you're not sure how to use your cot in a safe manner consult parents around or go to a local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a guide, make sure you go through it prior to using it and follow the directions.
Style
This stunning cot bed with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. nursery cots was awed by the combination of natural wood and white and the clever features such as drawers under the bed for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappy and an impressive array of baby clothes. It is also easy to put together, with clear instructions and screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They stop your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any other protruding part of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing the wood and also preventing them from suffocating. There's also drop-sides to make it easier for you to get access to your baby. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last for four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the specifications that are listed under each product.
Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a new bed at an age when they're ready for the transition. They may cost more than a crib.
If your nursery isn't big enough, you might want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires 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 you need an item that lasts longer, you should consider a crib.
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 deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats should not be too far apart to stop your baby from falling out.
Storage
The amount of baby gear you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. It is important to think about storage when you choose a cot. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to extend their use.
Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed.
A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks beautiful. The ease of access to these items makes it easier for parents to feed their baby.
A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and include a large drawer under the bed that is ideal for storing blankets, toys clothes, and other baby essentials.
While this is a great option if you're short on space, it's important to keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate additional drawer. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed is stunning example of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep baby's essentials out of sight but still easily accessible. Our panel of experts found it straightforward to put together, thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready. This means it's a good investment too.