How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose a cot that will be secure and safe for your child. Choose a cot that has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. best crib will meet UK safety standards.
This simple but elegant crib is our top pick from the Anyday collection by 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 best cot bed keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Look for a soft and comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could create a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available, including foam, coils springs, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child.
No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your comfort. It should provide proper support and encourage an ideal posture. The same applies to the slats, which should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not get caught when they move in their sleep.
If you're not sure which mattress to purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Make sure you choose a mattress that's ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.
There are a variety of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours, which is ideal if you want your child to wake up bright and happy!
Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath 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 infants who aren't big or suffer from health issues that make it hard to bend over.
Choose a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's bed when it's time. Look for this information in the product description or in the specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Check that it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended, because they can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials including foam and natural materials that are good for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the upward position.
A drop side should be allowed to fall when an adult is present; to prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge be sure to avoid placing it against the wall as it will block airflow and can cause coffin death. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots may be safer because they permit more airflow.
If your cot is set on one side, choose it. It will be the safest option for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to transition into the junior bed.
Some cots feature a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will expand with your child This is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots come with footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.
If you are putting your child in their cot, make sure that there isn't any visible danger. It must be kept away from heaters or windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to look for any choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.
If you're not sure how to use your cot safely, ask other parents or visit an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safe-use instructions closely.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for more details).
The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They prevent your child 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 stop children from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from suffocating. It also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your infant. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for 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 to move on. They may cost more than a crib.
If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best option for you as it is smaller and takes up less space, but should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' room or you want a longer-lasting bed, consider a cot.
A cot isn't safe 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 shouldn't be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling out.
Stores
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. Many cots come with additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, increasing their use for a longer time.
Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.
A number of cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.
Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail which is included with some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots come with a more traditional design and include a large storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes blankets, baby necessities.
While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, it's important to keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. You may need to buy a separate mattress and bedding, as oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's a good investment too.