Five Killer Quora Answers On Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose a cot that's safe and secure for your little one. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.
This minimalist, elegant crib is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It is also simple to put together and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could cause the risk of being suffocated. There are many mattresses available including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. So do your research before deciding on the best rated cribs one for your baby's needs.
It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible cot the mattress is essential to ease of use. It should provide adequate support and encourage an upright posture. The same is true for the slats. They should be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be securely connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement during sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Choose breathable mattresses, as they help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
In terms of style there's a broad selection from classic sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful when they awake.
There are a lot of cots that have an under-bed drawer for storage as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the side of the cot and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase a drop side for smaller babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the description or key specs.
Safety
When choosing a cot, the safety of your child's sleep is a must. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended because they can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of various materials including foam and natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and locked securely.
A drop side should only be allowed to fall only when an adult is present, this prevents accidental releases. If your cot has a solid end do not place it against the wall since it will block airflow and could cause the death of a coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends are safer since they permit more airflow.
If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It's the safest option for your baby when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to move into the junior bed.
Some cots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a fantastic safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with their needs. Some affordable cots also have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their beds.
When you put your child in their cot, make sure that there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources and power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture Be sure to check for potential choking hazards like stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present danger.
If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely consult other parents or attend the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your crib comes with a manual be sure to go through it prior to using it and follow the instructions.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and an enviable variety of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).
One of our favorite features are the teething rails, which shield your baby from bumping their head against the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot like the handle or corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being in danger of being suffocated. It also features an opening that can be removed to make it easier for you to get access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the main specifications beneath each product.
cot beds - www.hiwelink.com, are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a new bed until they're ready to transition. They can be more expensive than cribs.
If your nursery is small, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your room or if you require a bed that lasts longer, you should choose a crib.
If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials, and other key elements in baby mattress cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too far apart to stop your baby from falling off.
Storage
Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of items the baby will require is immense. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. Some cots have additional storage options, like drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler or small single bed, increasing their use for a longer time.
Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who like an edgier design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of a single side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.
A variety of cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.
Another desirable feature to look for is a toothing rail which is included with some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots feature an older style and come with a large storage drawer beneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby necessities.
While this is a great option if you're running out of space, you must remember that you will need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding, as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the cot itself.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style in its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. Our panel was able to find it straightforward to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler's bed when your child's ready.