A Comprehensive Guide To Cot Beds. Ultimate Guide To Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
When you are expecting a child it is crucial to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.
This minimalist, stylish crib is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawer. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft and comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could create the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses on the market including coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.
Whether Baby beds opt for a standard or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. This is also true for the slats. They should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move in their sleep.
If you're not sure what mattress to buy, consult your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they will help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.
There are a variety of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they awake.
Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also purchase drop sides for small infants or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
For added peace of mind, look for a cot that is compliant with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is right. This information is available in the product description as well as key specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child's arms or head). Check that it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended since they could 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 cot features a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go to fall when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on the wall if it is a solid end. This will hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they permit more airflow.
If your cot is set on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots come with a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will increase with your child's growth which is extremely practical and a great security measure. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who love to stand up.
If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure whether there is no visible danger. It should be away from heaters, power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for choking hazards like stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose a risk.
If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for help or go to a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide be sure to read it before using it and follow the instructions.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of white and natural wood and the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed as your child gets older (see product description for more information).
The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They prevent 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 also preventing them from suffocating. The cot also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.
Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This lets you not have to buy a new crib when your child is ready to make the leap. They may cost more than cribs.
If your nursery is small, you might be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan to spend a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom or if you require a bed that will last longer, you should opt for a crib.
If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of baby mattresses for cots) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling out.
Stores
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a new mom or a seasoned one. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when choosing a crib bed. Many cots come with additional storage options, such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to increase their usage.
Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.
Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies along with other small objects. This helps to keep everything organised tidy and neat - and it also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.
Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail which is included in a few cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and have a huge under-bed storage drawer that is ideal for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.
This is a great choice for those who have limited space, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.