How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting a baby, it is important to choose a cot that will provide 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 slick and elegant cot is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The most comfortable cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could create an suffocation threat. There are a variety of mattresses on the market including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research before deciding on the best one for your baby's needs.
It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It should provide proper support and encourage an ideal posture. The slats need to be secured and not sagging. 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 not sure what mattress to buy, ask your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they will help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they wake up.
There are a lot of cots that have a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that are small or suffer from medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.
Look for a cot which is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and is easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. Look for this information in the description or in the specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be the top priority. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Check that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.
Drop sides should only be allowed down when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge be sure to avoid placing it against the wall since this will restrict airflow and could cause coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer as they permit more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed side choose this option as it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into a junior bed.
Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a wonderful security measure that allows the cot of your child to grow with their needs. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to stand up in their bed.
When you put your child in their cot, make sure that there is no obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters, power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for choking hazards like stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present the risk of.
If you're not sure how to use your cot safely, ask other parents or attend the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow all the directions.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and a stunning array of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are among our most loved features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also prevent children from chewing on the wood and preventing them from suffocating. There's also a drop-side to allow you to get access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and that it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the specifications that are listed under each product.
cot bed sales can be transformed into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. go now lets you avoid buying a new crib when your child's ready to go up. However, they may be more expensive upfront than a standard crib.
If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best option for you since it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' bedroom or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, consider a crib.
If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of baby mattresses for cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't get tossed out.
Stores
The amount of baby gear you need is overwhelming, regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when choosing the cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, like drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their usage.
Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is simple and involves the removal of a side panel. This lets parents save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.
A few cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy and looks amazing. Being able to access these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their infant.
Another thing to look for is a toothing rail which is included with some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and include a large under-bed storage drawer that is ideal to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby necessities.
While this is a great option if you're running out of space, you should remember that you will need to buy a separate extra 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 from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby necessities out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler's crib when your child's ready.