How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child it is essential to select a cot that's safe and secure for your child. Choose a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this basic but stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and an storage drawer. It is also simple to put together and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could cause the risk of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available: coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the best one for your child.
Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the key to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The same is true for the slats. They should be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame, so that your child doesn't get caught in them when moving during sleep.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they can aid in regulating your body temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel cheerful and happy when they awake.
There are a lot of cots that have a drawer underneath for storage as well as teething rails that protect your child from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who are small or have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
To ensure your peace of mind, look for a cot that is compliant with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. This information is available in the description of the product and the specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep is a must. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot's bed sides or ends (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Check that it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't advised because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the upward position.
A drop side should only be allowed to fall only if an adult is present; this will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall as it can block airflow and could cause coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they allow more airflow.
If your cot is set on one side, choose it. It will be the safest option for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to move into the junior bed.
Some affordable cots have features that allow the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will expand with your child which is extremely practical and a great security measure. Other cots come with adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their beds.
When you place your child's cot ensure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be kept away from power and heater points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all pose a strangulation risk. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to check for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.
If you're unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner consult other parents or visit an local NCT New baby cot online course for assistance and guidance. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you start using it, and be sure to follow the safe-use instructions closely.
Style
This stunning cot bed with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all the baby necessities like bedding, nappies and a dazzling assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are among our most loved features. They stop your child from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also stop children from chewing on the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which can be found in the key specs beneath each product.
Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a bed when they're ready to transition. They are more expensive than cribs.
If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best option for you since it is smaller and takes up less space, but should your baby be expected to spend much of their time in their parents' bedroom or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a crib.
If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements in baby mattress cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling out.
Stores
No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of items the baby will require is immense. It's important to consider storage when selecting a cot. Certain cots offer additional storage options, including drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed into a toddler or small single bed, which can extend their usability for longer.
Some cots can be transformed into day beds, like the one shown 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. It also lets parents save money on a bed purchase.
A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organized tidy and neat - and it also looks amazing. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their child.
Another thing to look for is a teething rail that is available in a few cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which can cause irritation. Some cots come with more traditional designs and include a large storage drawer beneath the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby essentials.
While this is a great crib idea for when you're running out of space, you must keep in mind that you'll require a separate extra for the drawer. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately, as oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed a beautiful example of Scandi style at its best cot bed (https://www.choutarou.co.jp/biz_cms/dat/gmap/?address=%e7%b7%b4%e9%a6%ac%e5%8c%ba%e5%8c%97%e7%94%ba3%e4%b8%81%e7%9b%ae&company=%e9%95%b7%e5%a4%aa%e9%83%8e%e4%b8%8d%e5%8b%95%e7%94%a3&tel=03-3550-0002&url=http://cots4tots.co.uk). It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal for keeping all baby essentials away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.