How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child it is essential to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your child. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this simple yet stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed keeps children comfortable and warm. Choose a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could create a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses on the market - foam, coil springs, natural materials for allergy sufferers, so do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.
If you choose an ordinary or convertible cheap cot bed, the key to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats must also be secured to the frame, so that your child isn't trapped in them while moving in their sleep.
If you're not sure which mattress to buy, consult your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they will help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they awake.
You'll find most cots have an under-bed drawer for storage as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who aren't big or have medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.
Look for a cot which is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily be transformed into a toddler's bed when it's time. Look for this information in the description or in the specifications.
Safety
A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major aspect to consider when choosing a bed. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot sales/cot-bed (large gaps can trap the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended cribs since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials from foam to natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the upward position.
Drop sides should only be allowed to fall when an adult is present in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge, avoid placing it against the wall as it will block airflow and can cause the death of a coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots could be safer as they permit more airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the most secure option for your baby when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they're ready to move into the junior bed.
Some cots have an option 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 them. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who love to stand up.
When putting your child's cot in the crib, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could create strangulation risks. If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present danger.
If you're unsure of how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for advice or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before using it, and follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
With its beautiful sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and a stunning array of baby outfits. It's also easy to build with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child gets older (see product description for more details).
One of our most loved features is the teething rails which protect your baby from bumping their head against the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from getting suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be removed to allow you to access your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.
Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy a new bed when your child's ready to go up. However, they can be more expensive upfront than a crib that is standard.
If your nursery is small, you may be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan on spending a lot of your baby's time in your room or you need an item that lasts longer, you should choose a cot.
A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't 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 - visit this website link, mattresses. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure that your baby won't fall out.
Stores
No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is the reason it's important to think about the storage options when you choose the right crib bed. Some cots have additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to increase their usage.
Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of ONE side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.
Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies and other small objects. This allows you to keep everything organized tidy and neat - and it also looks great. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their infant.
A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots feature a more traditional design and come with a large storage drawer underneath the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, baby essentials.
This is a great option if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding, as sheets and mattresses that are oval are not typically included with the cot itself.
This sleigh-style cot bed is an exquisite example of Scandi style at its best crib newborn. It features a huge under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep all baby necessities out of sight but still easily accessible. Our panel found it very straightforward to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler's crib when your child's ready.