How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose the right cot that is safe and secure for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.
Our top choice is this simple but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed keeps infants comfortable and warm. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps which could create an suffocation threat. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.
No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible cot the mattress is essential to the comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage a healthy posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, so your child isn't trapped in them while moving in their sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they will aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
When it comes to fashion, there's a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted in vibrant primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their child to wake up feeling bright and content!
The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase drop sides for small babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
Look for a cot which is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards 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
When choosing a cot an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. Make sure weblink fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, ensure that it is locked and in the upward position.
Drop sides should only be allowed to fall when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental release. Do not place your cot against a wall if it has an end that is solid. This can limit airflow, which could lead to coffin death. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends are safer since they permit more airflow.
If your cot is set on one side, choose it. It's the most secure option for your baby when they begin to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights to allow it to increase with your child's growth This is extremely practical and a great safety measure. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who like to stand up.
When putting your child's cot in the crib ensure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could pose a strangulation risk. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms to look out for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.
If you're not sure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for help or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide be sure to go through it before using it and adhere to the directions.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and a stunning array of baby outfits. best infant cribs 's also easy to put together, with clear instructions and screws for each section. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are among our top features. They prevent your child from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the key specs beneath each product.
Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed until they're ready to move on. However, they are more expensive upfront than a standard crib.
If your nursery is small, you might think about a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan to spend a lot of your baby's time in your room or you need a bed that will last longer, you should opt for a crib.
If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of baby cot mattresses) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too wide apart to stop your child from falling out.
Stores
If you're a new parent or a seasoned one the amount of items a baby needs is staggering. This is the reason it's important to think about the storage options when you choose a cot bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, like drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed to a toddler or a small single bed, extending their usefulness for a longer period of time.
Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who prefer an edgier design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of ONE side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.
A few cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organised, neat and tidy and also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.
A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you should keep in mind that you'll require a separate additional drawer. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but still within reach. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.