How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child it is essential to select the right cot that is safe and secure for your little one. Find a cot which has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.
This slick and elegant coffin is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot mattress keeps children comfortable and warm. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps that could create the danger of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child.
Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which must be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame so that your little one doesn't get caught in them when moving in their sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, consult your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they will help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
There are a variety of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they awake.
The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for babies who aren't big or have medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.
Look for a cot which is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily be transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. This information is available in the product description and the specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping is a must. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can trap the child's arms or head). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses 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 up position.
Drop good cribs should only be permitted down when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge be sure to avoid placing it against the wall since it will block airflow and could cause coffin death. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges are safer since they allow for more airflow.
If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your child when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to transition into the junior bed.
Some cots come with a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to increase with your child's growth which is extremely practical and a great security measure. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who love to stand up.
When you put your child in their cot, check whether there is no visible danger - it should be away from heaters, power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're purchasing furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose the risk of.
If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for help or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and be sure to follow the safe-use instructions closely.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh-style design will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It is also easy to put together with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler's desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more information).
The teething rails are among our top features. They stop your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also stop children from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from suffocating. There's also a drop-side 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 built to last up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which can be found in the specifications that are listed under each product.
Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed until they're ready for the transition. They can be more expensive than a crib.
If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best option for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' room or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, consider a cot.
A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats must not be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won't fall off.
Stores
The amount of baby gear you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. It is important to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, including drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into toddler beds or a smaller single beds to expand their usage.
Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the process of conversion is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on the purchase of a separate bed.
Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and dummies, as well as other small objects. This helps keep everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their baby.
Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail which is included with cots. good cribs will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots feature a more traditional design and come with a large storage drawer underneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby essentials.
This is a great choice when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately because oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed is stunning illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a spacious under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep all baby necessities away from view but easily accessible. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together, thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's good value too.