15 Gifts For The Cot Beds Lover In Your Life
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting a child it is crucial to choose a cot that can provide security and safety for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.
This simple but elegant crib is our top pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps that could cause the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are many mattresses available - foam, coil springs and natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the right one for your baby's requirements.
Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your ease of use. It should provide proper support and promote an upright posture. The same is true for the slats, which must be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be securely connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not get caught when they move in their sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.
There are many styles to pick from that include traditional sleighs with ornate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted in vibrant primary colours which is perfect if you want your little one to wake up feeling bright and content!
You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the side of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can even purchase drop sides for small babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.
For added peace of mind, look for a cot for sale that is compliant with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. This information is available in the product description and key specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of various materials including foam and natural materials that are suitable for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position.
Drop sides should only be allowed down only when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge, avoid placing it against the wall since this will restrict airflow and could cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they allow for more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it's safer when your child begins to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into a junior bed.
Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a fantastic security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with the child. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who like to stand up.
If you are putting your child in their cot, make sure that there isn't any visible danger - it must be away from heat sources and power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these are a strangulation hazard). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, be sure to look for any choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.
If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely, ask other parents or attend an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safety guidelines closely.
Style
With its stunning sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of natural and white wood as well as the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk or bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more details).
One of our most loved features are the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head against the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot, like a handle or a corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being in danger of being suffocated. It also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict 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 when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a new bed until they're ready to move on. They can be more expensive than a crib.
If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best choice for you as it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' rooms or you want a longer-lasting bed, you should consider a cot.
If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other key elements of baby mattresses for cots and tots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling out.
Stores
The amount of baby stuff you'll need is overwhelming whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. This is the reason it's important to think about the storage options when you choose the right cot bed. Certain cots and tots offer additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their usage.
Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal 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 separate bed.
Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dummies, as well as other small things. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy and looks amazing. Being able to access these items will make it much easier for parents when feeding their baby cot online.
A teething rail is an additional desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and include a large under-bed storage drawer which is ideal to store blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you should keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate extra drawer. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.