What s Holding Back The Cot Beds Industry
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting a child it is essential to select a cot which will ensure safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot sales with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict 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 a storage drawer. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot mattress keeps children comfortable and warm. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could create a risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available, including foam, coils springs, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child.
It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It should provide proper support and promote a healthy posture. The slats should also be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats must also be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move in their sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, consult your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they help regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.
When it comes to fashion, there's a wide choice from classic sleigh styles with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is great when you want your child to wake up bright and happy!
Most cots to tots come with an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that are small or suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
Choose a cot that 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 available in the description of the product and key specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Check that it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't advised since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in different materials from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the up position.
A drop side should be allowed to drop when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on walls if it has a solid end. This could hinder airflow and could lead to coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they allow more airflow.
If your cot is set on one side, choose it. It will be the safest option for your baby when they start to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to transition into a junior bed.
Some cots have an option where the base can be raised to three different levels to allow it to increase with your child's growth which is extremely useful and is a safety measure. Some cots also have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers wanting to stand up in their bed.
Whenever you place your child in their cot, check that there isn't any obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources, power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're buying furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and create a risk.
If you're not sure how to use your cot safely, ask other parents or attend an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to go through it before using it and follow the directions.
Style
With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the mix of natural wood and white and the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler bed or desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They stop your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing the wood, and prevent them from being suffocated. There's also drop-sides to make it easier for you to access your newborn. 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 meets the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the main specifications beneath each product.
Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a new bed at an age when they're ready for the transition. They are more expensive than cribs.
If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best option 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' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a cot.
If a cot bed sales does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers mattress thicknesses, materials, and other important elements in baby mattress cots) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure that your baby won't fall out.
Stores
If you're a new parent or an experienced one the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. It's crucial to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. A number of cots have additional storage solutions available such as under-bed drawers or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small single bed, increasing their use for a longer time.
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 will allow parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.
Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dolls along with other small objects. This makes everything tidy, neat and organized. It 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 will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect to store blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.
This is a great choice when space is a problem but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding since sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't typically included in the cot for sale itself.
This sleigh-style infant cot bed bed is stunning example of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage space that is perfect for keeping all baby essentials out of sight but still easily accessible. Our panel found it very straightforward to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's good value too.