How to Choose the Best Cot 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 little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this basic 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 bed keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Look for a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps that could create the danger of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available: coils springs, foam and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.
No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible cot the mattress is essential to the comfort. It must provide the right support and promote an ideal posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must be securely fixed to the frame, so your little one doesn't get stuck in them while they move during sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or browse online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to hold bacteria.
When it comes to style there's a variety of styles, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is perfect if you want your baby to wake up feeling fresh and cheerful!
most recommended cribs cots come with a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that are small or suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
For extra security, opt for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. This information can be found in the description of the product and the key specifications.
Safety
A safe sleeping environment is an essential consideration when choosing a cot. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Check that it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position.
Drop sides should only be permitted down when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge do not place it against the wall because it can block airflow and can cause coffin death. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges could be safer as they permit more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge you should choose this because it's safer when your baby starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots 4 tots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with the child. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who want to stand up.
If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure that there is no obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters and power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, be sure to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.
If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely you can ask parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of white and natural pine, and its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and a stunning array of baby outfits. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product description for details).
The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They keep your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from getting suffocated. It also has a drop-side for easier access to your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to a toddler bed, and it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the specifications that are listed under each product.
Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing a new bed when your child is ready to make the leap. However, they may be pricier upfront than a standard crib.
If your nursery is small, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in the room or if you require a bed that lasts longer, you should consider a crib.
A crib isn't safe 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 covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling off.
Storage
No matter if you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of things a baby needs is staggering. This is the reason it's important to consider the storage options when you choose the cot bed. Some cots have additional storage options, such as drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, which can extend their usability for longer.
Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as seen on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed purchase.
Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies, as well as other small things. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. Being able to access these items will make it easier for parents when feeding their child.
Another desirable feature to look for is a toothing rail which is included with some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer that is perfect for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.
This is a great solution when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot itself.
This sleigh-style cot is stunning illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby's essentials out of sight but still easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled pieces and best cot newborn (check over here) clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.