10 Beautiful Images To Inspire You About Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting a child, it is important to choose a cot that will provide safety and security 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 stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and a storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Find a comfortable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could pose the danger of being suffocated. There are many types of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child.
Whether you opt for a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The slats should also be secured and not sagging. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child will not be caught when they move in their sleep.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose a mattress that is ventilated, as they'll aid in regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
There are many styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with vibrant primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their child to wake up feeling fresh and happy!
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who aren't tall enough or suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cot that is compliant with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is right. Find this information in the product description or key specs.
Safety
A safe sleeping environment is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a bed. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure it is in the up position and secured.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go down when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall because it can block airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots may be safer because they permit more airflow.
If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It will be the safest option for your child when they start to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots have features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights in order to increase with your child's growth which is extremely useful and is a safety measure. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their bed.
When placing your child's cot ensure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could present a strangulation threat. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms to look for any potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.
If you're unsure of about how to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or go to a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide, make sure you go through it before using it and follow the instructions.
Style
This stunning cot bed with its sleigh style will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of white and natural wood as well as the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler's desk and bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are among our top features. They stop your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent children from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from being suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow you to access your newborn. We love that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and it's built to last for four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the main specifications below 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 when they're ready to move on. However, they may be more expensive than a standard crib.
If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best choice for you, as it's 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, you should consider a crib.
A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure your baby doesn't get tossed out.
Storage
No matter if you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one, the amount of stuff a baby needs is staggering. This is why it's crucial to consider storage options when choosing the right crib bed. A number of cots have additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed into a toddler or small single bed, increasing their usefulness for a longer period of time.
Some cots can be transformed into day beds, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This lets parents reduce the expense of a separate bed.
A few cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.
Another desirable feature to look for is a teething rail that comes in a few cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with an older style and include a large under-bed storage drawer which is perfect for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby essentials.
While this is a great idea if you're running out of space, it's important to be aware that you'll need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't typically included in the cot itself.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view but within easy reach. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler's crib when your child's ready.