20 Fun Facts About Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child, it's important to choose the right cot that is secure and safe for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

This slick and elegant crib is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and a storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot bed cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Choose a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause a suffocation risk. There are a range of mattresses available on the market - foam, coil springs and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.

No matter if you select an ordinary or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be securely connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not get caught when they move in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they can 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 classic sleigh styles with intricate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and happy when they awake.

You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the side of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who are small or have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Look for a cot which is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. Find this information in the description or in the specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is a must and a major consideration when choosing a crib. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even have 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, this prevents accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge do not place it against the wall as this will restrict airflow and can cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer because they permit more airflow.

If your cot is set on one side, then you can choose it. It's the most secure choice for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots feature features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights to allow it to increase with your child's growth - this is very useful and is a safety measure. Some cots also have 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 put away from heaters and power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could create strangulation risks. If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present a risk.

If you're unsure of how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for advice or take part in a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has an instruction manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of white and natural wood, as well as the innovative features like drawers under the bed for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies, and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child gets older (see the product description for more information).

The teething rails are among our top features. They keep your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from getting suffocated. It also features a drop-side to allow you to access your newborn. We are thrilled that it can be converted into an infant bed, and it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which you'll find in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a new bed when they're ready to move on. They are more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best rated cribs option for you as it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your baby is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you want a longer-lasting bed, consider a crib.

A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't 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 important elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby gear you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Many cots come with additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their usability for longer.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the process of conversion is simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of a separate bed.

Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dolls, as well as other small things. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy and neat and looks fantastic. Being able to access these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their infant.

A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This can stop your child from chewing on the wood, which could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and include a large drawer under the bed that is ideal for storing toys, blankets, clothes and other baby necessities.

This is a great choice when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding since sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh-style cot is stunning illustration of Scandi style at its best. It has a large under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep all baby necessities away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready. This means it's a good investment too.