Five Killer Quora Answers On Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best cot for newborn Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting a baby it is essential to select a cot which will ensure safety and security for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and an storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy tots and cots cosy. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps which could cause an suffocation threat. There are many types of mattresses available - foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is essential to ease of use. It should provide proper support and promote an upright posture. The slats should also be secured and not sliding. The slats must be securely attached to the frame, so that your child isn't stuck in them while they move during sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or browse online reviews. Make sure you choose a mattress that's air-conditioned, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are many styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they awake.

The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even buy drop sides for small babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and will easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the product description or in the specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Check that it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended cribs, as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be allowed down when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge, avoid placing it against the wall as it can block airflow and may contribute to coffin death. 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, choose it. It's the most secure choice for your baby when they start to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with the child. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who like to stand up.

When you put your child in their cot, ensure whether there is no obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters, power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, make sure to look out for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.

If you are unsure about how to use your cot, consult other parents for help or go to a 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 gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and a stunning array of baby outfits. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).

The teething rails are among our most loved features. They stop your child from hitting their head against the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also a drop-side for easier access to your baby. We love that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and that it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a new bed until they're ready for the transition. However, they are more expensive than the standard crib.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in the room or if you require a bed that lasts longer, you should consider a crib.

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby mattresses for cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of things the baby will require is immense. It's important to consider storage when selecting a cot. Some cots have additional storage options, like drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, which can extend their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who like an edgier design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

A variety of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organized, neat and tidy and also looks great. Having easy access to these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their baby.

A teething rail is a desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots feature a more traditional design and come with a large storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby necessities.

This is a great choice when space is a problem but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately since oval sheets and mattresses don't 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 to keep baby's essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. Our panel found it very easy to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's also a good value.