15 Shocking Facts About Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that will be safe tots and cots secure for your child. Find a cot which has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

This simple but stylish crib is our top pick from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

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

It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It must provide the right support and promote a healthy posture. The slats should also be securely attached and not sagging. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame, so your child isn't stuck in them while they move in their sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they can aid in regulating your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

When it comes to style, there's a wide choice from classic sleigh styles with intricate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their little one to wake up bright and happy!

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate your child's growth. You can even purchase drop sides for small 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 convert into an infant 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 able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can trap the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot has a drop side, ensure it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present; this will prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall because it can block airflow and could cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer as they permit more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it's safer when your cheap baby cots for sale starts to crawl tots and cots pull themselves up. When your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to move into a junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a fantastic safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with their needs. Some cots also have footplates that can be adjusted, which are great for toddlers who want to stand up in their bed.

When you put your child in their cot, make sure that there isn't any visible danger - it should be away from heaters or power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, be sure to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and cause danger.

If you are unsure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or take part in an local NCT New Baby Cot Bed class. If your cot sets has instructions, read them carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the combination of natural wood and white and the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers 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 concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

One of our favourite features are the teething rails which protect your little one from bumping their head against the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot, like handles or a corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your newborn. We love that it can be converted to an infant bed, and that it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the main specifications below each product.

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

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in the room, or if you need a bed that will last longer, you should choose 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 covers mattress thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby mattress cots) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won't fall out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one, the amount of stuff the baby will require is immense. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Some cots have additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their usage.

Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who like an edgier design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed.

A variety of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This allows you to keep everything organized tidy and neat - and it also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is an additional desired feature that is found in some cots. This can help to stop your child from chewing on the wood, which could cause irritation. Some cots have more traditional designs and come with a large storage drawer underneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby essentials.

This is a great option when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style in its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's also a good value.