5 Killer Quora Answers 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 will be safe and secure for your little one. Find a cot which has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

This simple but stylish cot is our top ranked cribs choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could cause a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available on the market that include coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers - so do your research and choose the best one for your baby's requirements.

No matter if you select a convertible or standard cot, the primary factor to comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. The slats must be securely attached and not sagging. The slats should also be securely fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

When it comes to fashion, there's a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel joyful and cheerful when they wake up.

Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase a drop side for petite babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

For added peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and can easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. This information can be found in the description of the product and the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be a priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Check that it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in different materials including foam and natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has an inclined side, make sure it is in the up position and locked securely.

A drop side should only be allowed to drop only when an adult is present - to prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall since it can block airflow and could cause coffin death. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges could be safer as they allow for more 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. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a fantastic safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with them. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their beds.

When putting your child's cot in the crib be sure that there aren't any visible dangers. It should be kept away from heaters and power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. All of these could pose a strangulation risk. If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture Be sure to check for potential hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and create a risk.

If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for advice or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the combination of natural wood and white and the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all baby essentials, like bedding, nappy and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a toddler bed and desk when your child gets older (see the product description for details).

The rails for teething are among our top features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also prevent children from chewing on the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also drop-sides to allow you to access your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's built to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about buying another bed until they're ready for the transition. However, they can be pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best baby cots choice for you as it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your baby is likely to spend most recommended cribs of the time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a cot.

A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other key elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats must not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling off.

Storage

The amount of baby stuff you'll 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 selecting the crib bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small single bed, increasing their use for a longer time.

Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of a separate bed.

A variety of cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy and looks great. The ease of access to these items will make it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is an additional desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the Mini Cot Bed's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and have a huge drawer under the bed that is ideal to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great option if you're in a tight space, you should keep in mind that you'll require a separate additional drawer. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh-style Cot Bed (Read More Listed here) is a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby's essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. Our panel of experts found it straightforward to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.