A Step-By Step Guide To Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a baby it is crucial to select a cot which can provide security and safety for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

This simple but stylish cot is our top ranked cribs pick from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress fits snugly to avoid any gaps, which could create the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

Whether you opt for a standard or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats must be secured to the frame so that your little one doesn't get caught in them when moving in their sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they will help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to hold bacteria.

When it comes to style there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and happy when they awake.

You'll find most cots have a drawer underneath for storage, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can even buy a drop side for smaller babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

Choose a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards and is easily converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the 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 materials for allergy sufferers and some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has drop sides, make sure it is in the up position and locked securely.

Drop sides should only be allowed to fall when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge, avoid placing it against the wall as this will restrict airflow and could cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they permit more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and climb up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option where the base can be raised to three different levels in order to increase with your child's growth which is extremely practical and a great safety measure. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.

When placing your child's cot, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from any heaters or power points. Also, 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 look for any choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and create a risk.

If you're not sure how to use your cot safely, ask parents around or go to an local NCT New cheap baby cots course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh style will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of natural and white wood as well as the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It is also easy to put together, with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your child gets older (see the product description for details).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They stop your baby from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing the wood and preventing them from being suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's 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 can be turned into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy an entirely new bed when your child's ready to go up. However, they are pricier upfront than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best choice for you since it is smaller and takes up less space. However, if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, opt for a cot.

A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't fall off.

Stores

The amount of baby equipment you need is overwhelming, whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It's crucial to think about storage when you choose a cot. Certain cots offer additional storage options, including drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their usage.

Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. This will allow parents to save money on an additional bed.

A variety of cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy and also looks amazing. The ease of access to these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their infant.

Another desirable feature to look out for is a teething rail that comes with cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots come with an older style and include a large storage drawer under the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you must be aware that you'll have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately, as oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh sale cot from Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's perfect for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It is suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.