20 Things You Need To Know About Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child, it's important to choose a cot that will be safe and secure for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

This minimalist, stylish cot is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could cause a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are many mattresses on the market that include coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

No matter if you select an ordinary or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. The same is true for the slats. They should be securely attached 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 look at online reviews. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

In terms of style there's a variety of styles, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors 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 on the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate baby's growth. You can even buy a drop side for smaller babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Look for a cot which meets the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information is found in the product description as well as the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gaps between it and the cot's 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. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the upward position.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall only when an adult is present; this will prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge, avoid placing it against the wall since this will restrict airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer as they allow more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side you should choose this because it's safer when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to move into a junior bed.

Some cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a wonderful security measure that allows your child's cot to grow with the child. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who love to stand up.

If you are putting your child in their cot, make sure that there is no visible danger - it must be kept away from heaters, power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look out for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot bed sales safely, ask parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot sets has an instruction manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and then follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design, this gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the mix of natural and white wood, as well as the clever features like drawers under the bed for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to put together with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child gets older (see product description for more details).

One of our favorite features are the teething rails, which shield your baby from smacking their head against the cot for sale's side or any protruding parts of the cot like handles or a corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being trapped. The cot also has a drop-side to make it easier for you to get access to your baby. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This lets you avoid buying a new crib when your child's ready to move up. They can be more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best option for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space, but if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' rooms or you want a longer-lasting bed, opt for a crib.

A cot isn't suitable 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 mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling off.

Stores

The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. This is why it's essential to consider storage options when selecting the right crib bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, including drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their use for a longer time.

Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an edgier design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of ONE side panel. This will allow parents to save money on a separate bed.

A number of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots 4 tots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer under the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby essentials.

This is a great crib choice if space is an issue, but you will have to purchase a drawer on your own. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot is an exquisite example of Scandi style at its best. It has a large under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep baby's essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. Our panel found it very straightforward to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler's crib when your child is ready.