How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting a baby it is crucial to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.
This simple but elegant cot is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.
Comfort
The Best cot for newborn cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to avoid any gaps that could cause the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.
It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is essential to ease of use. It should provide adequate support and encourage an upright posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats must be securely attached to the frame, so your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Make sure you choose a mattress that's breathable, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
In terms of style there's a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they awake.
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer and teething rails that stop 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 buy a drop-side for babies who aren't big or suffer from health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.
For added security, opt for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the description or key specs.
Safety
When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). 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. Some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has drop sides, make sure it is in the up position and secured.
A drop side should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present; this will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall since it can block airflow and could cause the death of a coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they allow more airflow.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/1305/bellababy-baby-nachttisch-stubenwagen-fuer-sicheres-mitschlafen-aufbewahrungstasche-einfach-zu-montieren-leicht-zusammenklappbar-tragbares-kinderbett-fuer-neugeborene-kleinkinder-l-x-b-x-h-91.jpg)If your cot has a fixed side you should choose this because it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and climb up. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into a junior bed.
Some cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will expand with your child which is extremely convenient and an added safety measure. Some cots offers also have adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to stand up in their bed.
When you place your child's cot be sure that there aren't any visible dangers. It should be kept away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could pose a strangulation risk. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and cause danger.
If you're not sure what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for advice or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you start using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
With its stunning sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural wood and white as well as the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).
The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They keep your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also drop-sides to allow you to access your newborn. We love that it can be converted to an infant bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which can be found in the specifications that are listed under 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 transition. They can be more expensive than a crib.
If your nursery is small, you may be considering a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your room or you need an item that lasts longer, you should consider a cot.
A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other key elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't get tossed out.
Stores
If you're a new parent or an experienced one the amount of things the baby will require is immense. This is why it's essential to consider the storage options when you choose the cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a top ranked cribs changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small single beds to expand their usage.
Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin cot sale. This is a great option for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of a single side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed purchase.
A few cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy and neat and also looks great. The ease of access to these items will make it much easier for parents when feeding their child.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/1563/uuoeebb-4-in-1-bedside-crib-bassinet-baby-crib-with-changing-table-baby-bassinet-with-wheels-travel-cot-with-mattress-included-five-level-height-adjustable-baby-cribs-for-newborn-black-1563.jpg)Another desirable feature to look for is a teething rail that comes with some cots. This will help prevent your little one chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots feature an older style and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby essentials.
This is a great solution when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby's essentials out of view but still within reach. Our panel found it very straightforward to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's a good cribs investment too.