The Top 5 Reasons Why People Are Successful In The Cot Beds Industry
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
When you are expecting a child, it is important to select a cot which will ensure safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.
Our top ranked cribs pick is this basic but stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Look for a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to eliminate any gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available on the market - foam, coil springs and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.
No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It must provide the right support and promote a healthy posture. The slats need to be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats should also be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move in their sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or browse online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
When it comes to fashion there's a variety of styles of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with vibrant primary colours which is great if you want your little one to wake up feeling bright and content!
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 to accommodate baby's growth. You can also buy an extra drop-side for babies that are small or suffer from medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.
For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and can easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is right. Look for this information in the description or in the specifications.
Safety
A secure sleeping space is an essential factor when selecting a bed. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has a solid end. This will hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they permit more airflow.
If your cot is set on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the safest option for your baby when they start to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to move into a junior bed.
Some affordable cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a wonderful security feature that allows the cot of your child to grow with them. Some cots also have footplates that can be adjusted, which are great for toddlers who want to sit up in their beds.
When placing your child's cot ensure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be placed away from heaters and power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. All of these could present a strangulation threat. 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 transfers that can be removed and pose danger.
If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask other parents or visit an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with instructions, read them carefully before using it, and then follow the safety guidelines closely.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the mix of natural and white wood as well as the innovative features like drawers under the bed for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed as your child grows older (see product description for more details).
The teething rails are among our most loved features. They stop your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing the wood, and prevent them from suffocating. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to a toddler bed, and that it is sturdy enough to last for 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 usually 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 to move on. They can be more expensive than a crib.
If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best cots uk choice for you since it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' room or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a cot.
A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too close together, to ensure that your baby won't fall out.
Storage
No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one, the amount of stuff the baby will require is immense. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage solutions available like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their use.
Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of one side panel. This lets parents 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, Dummies, as well as other small objects. This helps to keep everything organised tidy and neat and also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.
A teething rail is an additional desired feature that is found in some cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots have more traditional designs and include a large storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby essentials.
While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, you should be aware that you'll need to buy a separate extra drawer. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately, as oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. Our panel found it very easy to put together due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants as young as birth and can be made into a toddler's crib when your child is ready.