How to Choose the Best cot for newborn Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that's safe and secure for your little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.
This minimalist, elegant cot is our top pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.
Comfort
The Best Cot Bed cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could pose the danger of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.
No matter if you select a convertible or standard cot, the primary factor to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be securely fixed to the frame, so your little one doesn't get stuck in them while they move in their sleep.
If you're not sure which mattress to buy, consult friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.
When it comes to style there's a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in vibrant primary colours, which is ideal when you want your little one to wake up bright and cheerful!
You'll find most cots have a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that are small or have medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.
Look for a cot which is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and is easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. This information is found in the product description as well as the specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be a priority. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gaps between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot features drop-sides, ensure that it is locked and in the upward position.
Drop sides should only be permitted down only when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental release. Do not place your cot against a wall if it has a solid end. This will restrict airflow, which can cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge, opt for this as it's safer when your baby starts to crawl and climb up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots to tots have a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a wonderful security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with their needs. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who like to stand up.
When you place your child's cot be sure that there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be placed away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could present a strangulation threat. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look out for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and pose a danger.
If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely you can ask other parents or visit a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you read it before using it and follow all the instructions.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white wood and the clever features like drawers under the bed for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They keep your child 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 them from chewing the wood, and prevent them from being suffocated. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant cot bed. We love that the cheap cot bed can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's built 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 are usually larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready to move on. However, they may be more expensive than the standard crib.
If your nursery isn't big enough, you might be considering a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room, or if you need a bed that will last longer, you should consider a cot.
If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements in baby cot mattresses) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't fall off.
Stores
The amount of Baby Cot Bed gear you need is overwhelming, regardless of whether you're a new mom or a seasoned one. This is why it's essential to consider storage options when selecting the right crib bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, including drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed to a toddler or a small single bed, extending their usefulness for a longer period of time.
Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.
Some cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies and other small items. This makes everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks beautiful. Being able to access these items will make it easier for parents when feeding their infant.
A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will help keep your baby from chewing on the wood that could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is ideal for storing blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.
While this is a great idea if you're short on space, it's important to remember that you will have to purchase an additional drawer. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets aren't typically included in the cot itself.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby necessities 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's bed when your child's ready.