11 Ways To Fully Redesign Your Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your little one. Look for a cot that has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best baby cots cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to avoid any gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available, including foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.

If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes a healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which must be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child will not get caught when they move in their sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to buy, consult friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

When it comes to style there's a broad selection from classic sleigh styles with intricate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted in bright primary colors which is great for those who want their child to wake up bright and happy!

There are a lot of cots that have an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your baby 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 petite babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily transform into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. This information is found in the product description and key specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be the top priority. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot's bed sides or ends (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Check that it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't advised as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials including foam and natural materials that are good for those suffering from allergies. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, ensure that it is locked and in the upward position.

A drop side should be allowed to drop only when an adult is present; 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 may contribute to coffin death. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends could be safer as they permit more airflow.

If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It will be the most secure option for your child when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a wonderful security measure that allows the cot of your child to grow with them. Other cots come with footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their beds.

When you place your child's cot, make sure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be kept away from power and heater points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to look for any potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner consult parents around or go to the local NCT New baby cots online course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it before using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural wood and white and the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappy and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for more details).

One of our favourite features is the teething rails which protect your little one from smacking their head against the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot, such as the handle or corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into a toddler bed, and it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy an entirely new bed as your child gets ready to make the leap. However, they are pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However should you be planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom or if you require an item that lasts longer, you should consider a cot.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of things the baby will require is immense. This is why it's essential to consider storage options when choosing the crib bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, like drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their usage.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as seen on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an unstructured design since the process of conversion is simple and involves the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.

A few Mini Cot Bed beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy and neat and looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their infant.

A teething rail is a important feature that's included in some cots. This can help to prevent your little one chewing on the wood which could cause irritation. Some cots to tots feature more traditional designs and include a large storage drawer under the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby necessities.

This is a great crib option for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding, as oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot beds for sale.

This sleigh-style cot bed stunning illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a spacious under-bed storage area that is ideal for keeping all baby essentials away from view but easily accessible. Our panel found it very easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's also a good value.