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 baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.
Our top choice is this simple but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed will keep children comfortable and warm. Find a comfortable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could pose a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.
If you choose an ordinary or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must be secured to the frame so that your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or browse online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they help regulate your body temperature and are less likely to hold bacteria.
There are a variety of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bright primary colors which is great if you want your little one to wake up feeling fresh and happy!
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 sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also buy an extra drop-side for babies that are small or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.
For extra peace of mind, search for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is right. This information is found in the product description and the specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your crib has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and locked securely.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. If your cot has a solid end be sure to avoid placing it against the wall as it can block airflow and can cause coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they allow more airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your child when they start to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to transition into a junior bed.
Some cots have features that allow the base can be raised to three different levels in order to increase with your child's growth - this is very useful and is a safety measure. Some cots have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their beds.
If you are putting your child in their cot, make sure that there is no obvious danger - it should be away from heaters or power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and create a risk.
If you're unsure of what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow all the directions.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its smart features, including drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more details).
The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent children from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from getting suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's built to last for four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which are listed in the main specifications beneath each product.
Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid purchasing an entirely new bed as your child gets ready to move up. However, they can be more expensive than a crib that is standard.
If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best choice for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' room or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a cot.
If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of baby cot mattresses) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling off.
Stores
No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of items the baby will require is immense. This is why it's essential to think about storage options when selecting a cot bed. A number of cots have additional storage solutions available like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their use.
Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of ONE side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.
Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, dolls along with other small things. This helps to keep everything organised tidy and neat - and it also looks amazing. Being able to access these items makes it easier for parents to feed their infant.
cots and tots to look for is a teething rail that is available with some cots. This can help to prevent your little one chewing on the wood, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and have a huge drawer under the bed that is perfect to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea if you're running out of space, you must remember that you will require a separate additional drawer. You may also need to purchase a different mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed is an exquisite illustration of Scandi style at its best. It has a spacious under-bed storage space that is perfect for keeping all baby essentials out of sight but still easily accessible. Our panel of experts found it straightforward to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be converted into a toddler's crib when your child's ready.