14 Misconceptions Commonly Held 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's secure and safe for your baby. Look for a cot for sale that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot mattress keeps children comfortable and warm. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could cause the danger of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available - foam, coil springs, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the best one for your baby's requirements.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible the mattress is essential to ease of use. It should provide proper support and promote an ideal posture. The slats must be secured and not sliding. The slats should also be secured to the frame, so your child isn't caught in them when moving in their sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they can aid in regulating your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.

When it comes to 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 as they awake.

You'll find most cots have an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect 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 aren't big or have health issues that make it hard to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant cot bed bed when the time is right. This information can be found in the description of the product and the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Make sure it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't advised 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 good for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to fall only if an adult is present; this prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on the wall if it is an end that is solid. This will limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they permit more airflow.

If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It will be the safest option for your child when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they're ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots offers have an option where the base can be raised to three different levels to allow it to expand with your child This is extremely practical and a great crib security measure. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who want to stand up.

When placing your child's cot, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be kept away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could create strangulation risks. If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any choking hazards like stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and create danger.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely consult other parents or visit a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding, and an enviable array of baby outfits. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see product description for more information).

The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They keep your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing the wood and also preventing them from suffocating. It also has a drop-side for easier access to your newborn. We are thrilled that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which you'll find in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than recommended cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a new bed at an age when they're ready for the transition. However, they are pricier upfront than the standard crib.

If your nursery is small, you may want to consider a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However, if you plan to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room or if you require an item that lasts longer, you should opt for a crib.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too close together to ensure that your baby won't fall out.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one, the amount of stuff that a baby requires is overwhelming. It's crucial to think about storage when selecting a cot. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler bed or a single bed, increasing their use for a longer time.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This allows parents to save money on an additional bed.

A variety of cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This helps to keep everything organised tidy and neat and also looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots feature an older style and include a large storage drawer under the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, baby necessities.

This is a great solution for those who have limited space but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding, as sheets and mattresses that are oval are not typically included with the cot itself.

This sleigh-style cot bed is an exquisite illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep baby's essentials away from view but easily accessible. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together, thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's also a good value.