The Ultimate Guide To Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot cribs beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your child. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.
Our top choice is this simple but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best crib for newborn cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could create a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.
It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It should provide proper support and promote a healthy posture. The slats should also be secured and not sagging. The slats should also be securely fixed to the frame, so your child isn't caught in them when moving in their sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they can help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
When it comes to fashion there's a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they wake up.
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who aren't big or suffer from health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.
For added peace of mind, look for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and will easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the product description or in the specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment is a must. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gaps between it and the cot's bed sides or ends (big gaps can restrict 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. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has an inclined side, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.
A drop side should be allowed to drop only if an adult is present; to prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot on walls if it has a solid end. This can hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they allow more airflow.
If your cot sales is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It's the safest option for your baby as they begin to crawl and pull themselves upward. Once your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to transition 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 grow with the child. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who want to stand up.
When you place your child's cot, make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be put 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. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, be sure to check for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and pose a danger.
If you're not sure about how to use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide be sure to read it before using it and adhere to the instructions.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding and a stunning array of baby outfits. It is also easy to build, with clear instructions and screws for each section. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for more details).
One of our favourite features are the teething rails which protect your baby from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, like the handle or corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being suffocated. There's also a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We are thrilled that it can be converted to an infant bed, and it's built to last up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which can be found in the key specs beneath each product.
Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid buying an entirely new bed when your child is ready to move up. However, they may be more expensive upfront than the crib that is standard.
If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best choice for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space, but should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom or you want a longer-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.
A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't fall out.
Storage
If you're a new parent or a veteran, the amount of stuff that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when selecting the right cot bed. Many cots come with additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single beds to expand their use.
Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.
Some cot beds come with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies, as well as other small items. This helps to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy - and it also looks fantastic. Being able to access these items will make it easier for parents to feed their child.
Another thing to look out for is a teething rail that is available with cots. This can help to stop your child from chewing on the wood, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with an older style and come with a large storage drawer under the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.
This is a great choice when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately because oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a spacious under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep all baby necessities out-of-sight but within easy access. Our panel found it very easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's a good investment too.