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 baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.
This simple but stylish cot is our top pick from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cots for newborns cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps which could cause the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.
If you choose a convertible or standard cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be firmly attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be securely connected to the frame to ensure that your child does not get caught when they move in their sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will help you regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.
When it comes to style there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their baby to wake up feeling bright and cheerful!
The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate your child's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who aren't tall enough or suffer from health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.
Choose a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information is available in the product description as well as key specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be a priority. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot's bed sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in different materials from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.
A drop side should be allowed to drop when an adult is present, this prevents accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has an end that is solid. This will limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots are safer since they allow for more airflow.
If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your baby as they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with them. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to stand up in their bed.
When putting your child's cot in the crib ensure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be kept away from any heaters or power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. They all could pose a strangulation risk. If you're buying furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom Be sure to check for potential dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that can be removed and pose a risk.
If you are unsure about how to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow all the instructions.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous Cot Bed (click through the up coming article) will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of white and natural wood, as well as the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to construct with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are among our most loved features. They keep your baby from hitting their head on 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 prevent them from being suffocated. There's also a drop-side for easier access to your newborn. We love that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the key specs below each product.
Cot beds are usually larger than cribs beds and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a new bed until they're ready to move on. They are more expensive than cribs.
If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best choice for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space, but if your child is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, you should consider a crib.
If the Mini Cot Bed you are using does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other key elements of baby mattresses for cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't fall out.
Storage
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It's important to consider storage when selecting a cot. Some cots have additional storage options, including drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, increasing their usability for longer.
Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.
A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items will make it easier for parents when feeding their baby.
A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with an older style and come with a large storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby essentials.
While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, it's important to be aware that you'll need to buy a separate extra drawer. It is also possible to buy a new mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot sale itself.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's also a good value.