How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child it is essential to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.
This minimalist, elegant crib is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot mattress keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could pose the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.
No matter if you select a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a mattress of high-quality that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. The slats must be secured and not sliding. The slats need to be firmly fixed to the frame, so that your child does not become caught in the movement in their sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Look for ones that are air-conditioned, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.
In terms of style there's a broad selection from classic sleigh styles with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and happy when they awake.
You'll find most cots have a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase a drop side for petite infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.
For added security, opt for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and will easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is right. This information can be found in the description of the product and the specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and locked securely.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present in the room. This prevents accidental release. If your cot has a solid end be sure to avoid placing it against the wall because this will restrict airflow and could cause the death of a coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer because they allow more airflow.
If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it is the most secure option when your child starts 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 come with an option that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a great safety measure and enables your child's cot to expand with their needs. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who like to stand up.
When you put your child in their cot, check whether there is no visible danger - it must be away from heat sources, power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture, check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that may peel off and present danger.
If you're unsure of how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for advice or go to a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to go through it before using it and follow the directions.
Style
With its stunning sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of white and natural pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and an enviable variety of baby outfits. It's also easy to build with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are among our top features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. Baby beds has a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.
Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a new bed when they're ready to move on. However, they may be more expensive upfront than the standard crib.
If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best option for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space, but if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' bedroom or you'd like a more long-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 set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to stop your child from falling out.
Stores
If you're a new parent or an experienced 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 cot bed. Some cots have additional storage options, including drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their usability for longer.
Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is fairly easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed.
Some cot beds come with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, dolls along with other small objects. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy - and it also looks great. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their child.
Another desirable feature to look for is a toothing rail that is available in a few cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which could cause irritation. Some cots have a more traditional design and include a large storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby necessities.
click homepage is a great solution when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may need to buy bedding and a mattress separately, as oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby's essentials out of view but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's also a good value.