How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
When you are expecting a child it is crucial to choose a cot that will provide safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.
This slick and elegant coffin is our top choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and a storage drawer. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed keeps infants comfortable and warm. Look for a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could cause a risk of suffocation. There are many mattresses available - foam, coil springs and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers - so do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.
No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible cot the mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It should provide proper support and promote an ideal posture. The same is true for the slats. They should be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats need to be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not be caught when they move in their sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or browse online reviews. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.
When it comes to style there's a variety of styles of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they wake up.
The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also purchase drop sides for small babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.
Choose a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and is easily converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information is found in the description of the product and the specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot a safe sleeping environment is a must. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can hold the child's arms and head). Make sure it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in a variety of materials, from foam to natural materials that are good for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure it is in the upward position and locked securely.
A drop side should only be allowed to fall when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge do not place it against the wall because it will block airflow and could cause coffin death. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges may be safer because they permit more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed side choose this option as it's safer when your baby starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to transition into the junior bed.
Some cots feature a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to expand with your child - this is very useful and is a safety measure. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who want to stand up.
When you put your child in their cot, make sure whether there is no obvious danger - it should be away from heaters, windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look out for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and cause danger.
If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely consult parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a guide be sure to go through it prior to using it and follow the directions.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and an enviable array of baby outfits. It's also simple to build with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).
The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They stop your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any other protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from being suffocated. The cot also has drop-sides to allow you to get access to your baby. We are thrilled that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the key specs beneath each product.
Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy a new bed when your child is ready to go up. However, they may be more expensive than the crib that is standard.
If your nursery isn't big enough, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However should crib sets be planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in the room, or if you need an item that lasts longer, you should consider a crib.
If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other key elements in baby mattress cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling off.
Storage
Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran, the amount of stuff that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when selecting the cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted to a toddler or a small single bed, which can extend their usability for longer.
Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who like an edgier design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.
A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organized tidy and neat and also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.
A teething rail is a important feature that's included in some cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which could cause irritation. Some cots have a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer underneath the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby essentials.
This is a great choice when space is a problem but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately because oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed is a beautiful example of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby's essentials away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It is suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.