10 Reasons Why People Hate Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

This minimalist, elegant crib is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could create a risk of being suffocated. There are many mattresses available on the market - foam, coil springs and natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research and select the best one for your baby's needs.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It should provide adequate support and promote an ideal posture. This is also true for the slats. They should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to buy, consult friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

There are many styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with ornate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel joyful and cheerful when they wake up.

You'll find most cots have an under-bed drawer for storage as well as teething rails that protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can even buy a drop side for smaller infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

Choose a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and is easily transformed into a toddler's bed when it's time. Find this information in the description or in the specifications.

Safety

A secure sleeping space is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a bed. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in different materials, from foam to natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop side, ensure it is in the up position and locked securely.

A drop side should be allowed to go down only if an adult is present - this prevents accidental release. Do not place your cot against a wall if it has a solid end. This could limit airflow, which could cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer because they allow for more airflow.

If your cot for sale is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your baby when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option where the base can be raised to three different levels in order to expand with your child This is extremely convenient and an added safety measure. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who like to stand up.

When placing your child's cot, make sure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be kept away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could present a strangulation threat. If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and create danger.

If you're not sure what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for advice or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with instructions, read them carefully before you begin using it, and follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, and its clever features, such as drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding, and a dazzling array of baby cots on sale outfits. It's also easy to put together, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk and bed as your child gets older (see product description for more details).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They stop your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop children from chewing on the wood and preventing them from suffocating. It also features a drop-side to allow you to access your newborn. We love that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which you'll find in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid buying a new crib as your child gets ready to go up. They may cost more than a crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the Best Cot Bed option for you since it is 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 cot.

If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other key elements in baby mattress cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling out.

Storage

Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran, the amount of stuff that a baby requires is overwhelming. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Certain cots offer additional storage options, including drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant cot bed bed or a small single bed to extend their usage.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the process of conversion is simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of the purchase of 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 makes everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks great. Being able to access these items will make it easier for parents when feeding their baby.

Another feature worth looking for is a toothing rail that comes in a few cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with more traditional designs and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, baby necessities.

This is a great option if space is an issue, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep baby essentials out of sight but within easy reach. Our panel was able to find 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 converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's a good investment too.