Five Killer Quora Answers On Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a child, it is important to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could pose the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are many mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and select the best one for your baby's requirements.

If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a good cribs-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats need to be securely connected to the frame to ensure that your child does not get caught when they move during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful as they wake up.

Most cheap cots come with a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that aren't big or suffer from health issues that make it hard to bend over.

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

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is an essential consideration when choosing a cot. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Check that it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended, since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to drop only if an adult is present; to prevent accidental release. If your cot has a solid end be sure to avoid placing it against the wall because this will restrict airflow and can cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots are safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It's the safest option for your child when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to move into the junior bed.

Some cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a great security measure that allows your child's cot to grow with them. Some cots also have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their bed.

When you place your child's cot, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could present a strangulation threat. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look for any potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely you can ask other parents or visit the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you start using it, and be sure to follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural wood and white as well as the innovative features like drawers under the bed for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappy and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

One of our most loved features is the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head on the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot like a handle or a corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being trapped. There's also an opening that can be removed to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which are listed in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed when they're ready to transition. However, they may be more expensive than the standard crib.

If your nursery is small, you might think about a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan on spending a lot of your baby's time in your room, or if you need a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a cot sales.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats shouldn't be too close together to ensure that your baby cots online won't get tossed out.

Stores

The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a new mom or a seasoned one. It is important to think about storage when you choose a cot. A number of cots have additional storage solutions available like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their use.

Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This lets parents save money on an additional bed.

A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This makes everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks great. The ease of access to these items will make it easier for parents when feeding their child.

A teething rail is a important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden infant cot bed which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and come with a large drawer under the bed that is perfect for storing toys, blankets, clothes and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea for when 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 might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed stunning example of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage space that is perfect for keeping all baby essentials away from view but easily accessible. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together, thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's a good investment too.