Are You Getting The Most From Your Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that's safe and secure for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

This slick and stylish crib is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot bed (Suggested Reading) cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the best one for your child.

It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your ease of use. It should provide adequate support and encourage an upright posture. The slats should also be secured and not sliding. The slats need to 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 look at online reviews. Choose a mattress that is breathable, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

When it comes to style, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel happy and happy when they awake.

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 to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase drop sides for small cot beds babies or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Find a mini cot beds that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and is easily converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. Find this information in the product description or key specs.

Safety

When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be a priority. 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). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has an inclined side, make sure it is in the upward position and locked securely.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against a wall if it has a solid end. This could limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer as they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It's the most secure choice for your baby when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to move into the junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with their needs. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.

When putting your child's cheap cot beds in the crib, make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be placed away from any heaters or power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could pose a strangulation risk. When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.

If you are unsure about how to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has an instruction manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and then follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh design will look amazing in your nursery cots. Our panel members loved the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding and an enviable array of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a toddler bed or desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).

The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They keep your child 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 prevent them from getting suffocated. There's also an opening that can be removed to allow you to access your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into a toddler bed, and it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed until they're ready to transition. They can be more expensive than a crib sets.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in the room or you need a bed that lasts longer, you should choose a cot.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure your baby doesn't fall off.

Storage

The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. Some cots come with additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into toddler beds or a smaller single beds to expand their usage.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the process of conversion is easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.

A number of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is an additional desired feature that is found in some 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 come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect for storing blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea for when you're running out of space, you should remember that you will have to purchase an extra for the drawer. It is also possible to buy a new mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets aren't typically included in the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed is an exquisite illustration of Scandi style at its best. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal for keeping all baby essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants as young as birth, and can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.