The Ultimate Guide To Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that's safe and secure for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It is also simple to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds (linked webpage) keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could pose the risk of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible cot the mattress is crucial to ensure your ease of use. It must provide the right support and encourage a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be secured to the frame so that your child doesn't get caught in them when moving in their sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, consult your family and friends or consult online reviews for suggestions. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they aid in regulating your body temperature and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

In terms of style there's a variety of styles, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel joyful and cheerful as they awake.

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer and teething rails that stop your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate your child's growth. You can even purchase a drop side for petite infants or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Choose a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. Look for this information in the product description or in the specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is essential and a big aspect to consider when choosing a bed. Make sure 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 not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in a variety of materials including foam and natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has a drop side, ensure it is in the upward position and locked securely.

A drop side should be allowed to fall when an adult is present - to prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge do not place it against the wall since this will restrict airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges are safer since they allow for greater airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your baby when they start to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a fantastic security feature that allows the cot of your child to grow with their needs. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who love to stand up.

When you put your child in their cot, make sure that there is no visible danger. It should be away from heaters or windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture Be sure to check for potential choking hazards like stickers and transfers that may be removed and pose the risk of.

If you're not sure how to use your cot safely you can ask parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style, this gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep all the baby necessities like bedding, nappies and an enviable variety of baby outfits. It is also easy to put together, with clear instructions and separate 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).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails, which shield your baby from bumping their head against the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being trapped. The cot also has an opening that can be removed to make it easier for parents to reach their newborn. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's built to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid buying an entirely new bed when your child is ready to move up. They are more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best option for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space, but if your child is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom or you're looking for a more durable bed, you should consider a cot.

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 important elements of baby cot mattresses), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too wide apart to prevent your cheap baby cots for sale from falling out.

Storage

The amount of Baby Cot Bed gear you need is overwhelming, regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. This is why it's essential to consider storage options when choosing a cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, including drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their usage.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin mini cot beds. This is an excellent option for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.

A number of cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. Having easy access to these items makes it easier for parents when feeding their child.

A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will help prevent your little one chewing on the wood that can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and come with a large drawer under the bed that is perfect to store blankets, toys, clothes tots and cots other baby necessities.

This is a great choice when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You may have to purchase an additional mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed is an exquisite example of Scandi style at its best crib. It has a large under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep all baby necessities out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's good value too.