How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose the right cot that is safe and secure for your child. Find a cot which has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.
This minimalist, stylish crib is our top pick from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed will keep children comfortable and warm. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could create the danger of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available on the market - foam, coil springs and natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research before deciding on the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.
No matter if you select a standard or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which must be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be securely fixed 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 purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Make sure linked resource site choose a mattress that's air-conditioned, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.
In terms of style, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted in bright primary colors which is great for those who want their baby to wake up feeling bright and happy!
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that aren't big or have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler's bed when it's time. Look for this information in the description or key specs.
Safety
When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep is a must. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in various materials, from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the upward position.
Drop sides should only be permitted to fall when an adult is present in the room. This will prevent accidental release. Do not place your cot against a wall if it has an end that is solid. This can restrict airflow, which can cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they allow for more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge, opt for this as it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and climb up. When your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into the junior bed.
Some cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with them. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who like to stand up.
Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure whether there is no visible danger. It must be away from heat sources, power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). 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 transfers that can be removed and create the risk of.
If you're not sure how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask parents around or go to a local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot has an instruction manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural wood and white, as well as the clever features like drawers under the bed for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappy and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).
The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They prevent your child from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any protruding part of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also prevent children from chewing on 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 newborn. We are thrilled that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the specifications that are listed under each product.
Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed when they're ready for the transition. However, they may be more expensive than a crib that is standard.
If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best choice for you as it is smaller and occupies less space. However, if your baby is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.
A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other key elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling off.
Storage
No matter if you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when choosing the right crib bed. Some cots have additional storage options, including drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to extend their use.
Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as seen 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 simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This lets parents save money on an additional bed.
Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and dummies and other small things. This makes it easier 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.
Another desirable feature to look out for is a teething rail that is available with cots. This can help to stop your child from chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots have an older style and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.
While this is a great idea if you're running out of space, it's important to keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate extra drawer. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed is an exquisite example of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep baby's essentials away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's a good investment too.