A Comprehensive Guide To Cot Beds. Ultimate Guide To Cot Beds
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 child. Find a cot which has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.
This minimalist, stylish coffin is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot mattress keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to eliminate any gaps that could pose the danger of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam tots and cots natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best crib for newborn one for your child.
It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your the comfort. It must provide the right support and promote an upright posture. This is also true for the slats, which should be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats need to be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move during sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Make sure you choose a mattress that's air-conditioned, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and happy when they wake up.
Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage, teething rails to protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who aren't tall enough or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.
Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information is available in the product description as well as the key specifications.
Safety
A safe sleeping environment is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a cot. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Make sure it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended, as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the upward position.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go to fall when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against a wall if it has a solid end. This will hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges could be safer as they permit more airflow.
If your cot has a fixed side you should choose this because it is the most secure option when your child starts to crawl and climb up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots feature a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights to allow it to increase with your child's growth which is extremely practical and a great security measure. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their beds.
When placing your child's cot be sure that there are no visible hazards. It should be kept away from any heaters or power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all pose a strangulation risk. If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and create danger.
If you're unsure of what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for advice or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow all the instructions.
Style
With its stunning sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are among our most loved features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from suffocating. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last for four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.
Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed until they're ready for the transition. However, they can be more expensive upfront than a crib that is standard.
If your nursery isn't big enough, you might think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan on spending a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom or you need a bed that lasts longer, you should consider a cot.
A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling off.
Storage
If you're a new parent or a seasoned one the amount of things the baby will require is immense. It is important to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. A number of cots have additional storage solutions available like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their usability for longer.
Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.
A variety of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy and neat and also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items makes it easier for parents to feed their infant.
A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This can help to stop your child from chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some affordable cots are designed with more traditional designs and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect for storing blankets, toys clothing, and other baby necessities.
While this is a great option if you're in a tight space, you should remember that you will need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. Our panel found it very easy to put together, thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler's crib when your child's ready.