So You ve Bought Cot Beds ... Now What
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child, it's important to choose a cot that's safe and secure for your child. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.
This minimalist, stylish coffin is our top pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It is also simple to put together, and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could create the risk of suffocation. There are many mattresses available 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 cheap baby cots's needs.
Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible cot the mattress is crucial to ensure your ease of use. It should provide adequate support and encourage an ideal posture. The slats need to be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats must also be firmly fixed to the frame, so that your child does not become caught in the movement during sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, consult your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they wake up.
You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items, teething rails to protect your Baby beds from chewing on the sides of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who aren't big or have medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.
For added peace of mind, look for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and will easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is right. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the up 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, avoid placing it against the wall since this will restrict airflow and could cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer as they permit more airflow.
If your cot has a fixed side choose this option as it is the most secure option when your child starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. Once your child is standing and climbing, recommended cribs (www.thegooddogguide.com) it is a sign they're ready to transition into a junior bed.
Some cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different levels to allow it to expand with your child which is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots come with footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.
When you put your child in their cot, check that there isn't any visible danger - it must be kept away from heaters or windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture, check for hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present the risk of.
If you are unsure what you should do to use your cheap cot bed, consult other parents for advice or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to go through it prior to using it and adhere to the instructions.
Style
This stunning cot bed with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, and its clever features, such as drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your child gets older (see the product's description for more details).
One of our favourite features are the teething rails that protect your baby from smacking their head against the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side to allow parents to reach their newborn. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the specifications that are listed under each product.
Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed when they're ready for the transition. However, they are pricier upfront than a standard crib.
If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best choice for you since it is smaller and takes up less space. However, if your child is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.
If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials, and other essential elements of baby mattress cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure that your baby won't fall off.
Stores
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. A number of cots have additional storage solutions available such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to increase their usage.
Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as seen on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.
Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dummies and other small objects. This helps to keep everything organised tidy and neat - and it also looks great crib. Being able to access these items will make it easier for parents when feeding their infant.
A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots have an older style and come with a large storage drawer under the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby essentials.
This is a great choice when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer on your own. You may need to buy bedding and a mattress separately, as oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot is an exquisite example of Scandi style at its best. It features a huge under-bed storage compartment that's ideal for keeping all baby essentials away from view but easily accessible. Our panel was able to find it straightforward to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's a good investment too.