How to Choose the best cots uk infant cot bed Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.
Our top choice is this simple but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps which could cause an suffocation threat. There are many mattresses on the market including coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.
Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your comfort. It must provide the right support and promote a healthy posture. The slats need to be securely attached and not sagging. The slats should also be firmly fixed to the frame, so that your child does not get caught when they move during sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Look for ones that are air-conditioned, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.
There are a variety of styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they wake up.
Most cots to tots come with an under-bed storage drawer and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate your child'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.
Look for a cot which is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information is available in the description of the product and key specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep is a must. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the edges 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. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position.
A drop side should be allowed to go down only when an adult is present, to prevent accidental release. Do not place your cot against the wall if it is a solid end. This will hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots could be safer as they permit more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it is the most secure option when your baby starts to crawl and climb up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to move into the junior bed.
Some cots have features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights in order to expand with your child This is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who love to stand up.
Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure that there is no visible danger. It must be away from heat sources and power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture Be sure to check for potential hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and pose the risk of.
If you're unsure of what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for help or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding, and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler's 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 prevent your child from hitting their head against the crib's side or any other protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood and preventing them from suffocating. There's also an opening that can be removed to allow parents to reach their newborn. 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 met the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the key specs below each product.
Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed until they're ready for the transition. They can be more expensive than cribs.
If your nursery isn't big enough, you might be considering a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in the room or you need a bed that will last longer, you should consider a cheap cot bed.
A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to stop your baby from falling off.
Stores
The amount of baby stuff you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a new mom or a seasoned one. This is why it's crucial to consider storage options when selecting the right crib bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, including drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their use.
Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed, as seen here 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 easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed.
Some cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies along with other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organised, neat and tidy and looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their child.
A teething rail is an additional desired feature that is found in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots have more traditional designs and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.
While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, it's important to be aware that you'll have to purchase an additional drawer. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's perfect 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 for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's also a good value.