How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting your first child, it is important to select a cot which will ensure safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.
This minimalist, stylish cot is our top choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. More methods is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed will keep children comfortable and warm. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and make sure the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could pose an suffocation threat. There are a variety of mattresses available on the market - foam, coil springs and natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.
It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is vital to your the comfort. It should provide proper support and promote an upright posture. The slats must be secured and not sliding. The slats need to be firmly attached to the frame so that your child does not get caught when they move during sleep.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations, or read online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they will help regulate your body temperature and are less likely to hold bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their little one to wake up feeling fresh and content!
Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who aren't big or have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.
For extra security, opt for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is right. Find this information in the description or key specs.
Safety
When choosing a cot an environment that is safe for sleeping is a must. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Check that it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in various materials including foam and natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has drop sides, make sure it is in the upward position and locked securely.
A drop side should be allowed to go down when an adult is present, this will prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge be sure to avoid placing it against the wall because this will restrict airflow and can cause the death of a coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer as they allow for more airflow.
If your cot is set on one side, then you can choose it. It's the most secure choice for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves up. If 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 to allow it to increase with your child's growth which is extremely practical and a great security measure. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.
Whenever you place your child in their cot, check that there isn't any obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters and windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, make sure to check for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and pose a danger.
If More methods 're not sure how to use your cot safely, ask other parents or visit the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safe-use instructions closely.
Style
With its beautiful sleigh design This gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its smart features, including drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It is also easy to construct with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).
The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing the wood and preventing them from suffocating. It also features an opening that can be removed to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to 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 you'll find in the key specs beneath each product.
Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid purchasing a new bed as your child gets ready to go up. However, they can be more expensive than a standard crib.
If your nursery is small, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your bedroom, or if you need a bed that will last longer, you should choose a cot.
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 the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other key elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats should not be too far apart to stop your baby from falling out.
Stores
The amount of baby gear you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. This is why it's crucial to consider the storage options when you choose the right cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed to a toddler or a small single bed, extending their usefulness for a longer period of time.
Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer a less rigid design as the process of conversion is simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to reduce the expense of a separate bed.
Some cot beds are equipped with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, dummies along with other small items. This helps to keep everything organized tidy and neat - and it also looks great. Having easy access to these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their child.
Another thing to look out for is a teething rail which is included in a few cots. More methods will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and have a huge drawer under the bed that is perfect to store blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea for when you're in a tight space, you should keep in mind that you'll have to purchase an extra drawer. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful 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 easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for infants as young as birth, and can be made into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.