Five Killer Quora Answers To Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting your first child it is essential to select a cot which can provide security and safety for your baby. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.
This minimalist, stylish crib is our top ranked cribs pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could pose the danger of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available - foam, coil springs and natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research and select the best one for your baby's requirements.
Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible, a good mattress is essential to ease of use. It should provide adequate support and promote an upright posture. The slats must be secured and not sliding. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, so that your little one doesn't get stuck in them while they move during sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, consult friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Choose breathable mattresses, as they help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.
When it comes to fashion, there's a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful when they wake up.
Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage, teething rails to protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who aren't big or have health issues that make it hard to bend over.
Look for a cot which is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and is easily converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Some come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental releases. Do not place your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This will limit airflow, which could lead to coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they allow for more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this 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 different levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with their needs. Some cots have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers who wish to stand up in their bed.
When you place your child's cot ensure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all pose a strangulation risk. If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture Be sure to check for potential dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose the risk of.
If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.
Style
With its beautiful sleigh design This gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of white and natural wood, as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).
The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing the wood and preventing them from being suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be removed to allow parents to reach their newborn. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's strong 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 usually larger than recommended cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed until they're ready to move on. However, they are pricier upfront than the standard crib.
If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best choice for you as it is smaller and occupies less space. However, if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.
A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats must not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.
Storage
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. This is the reason it's important to think about the storage options when you choose the crib bed. Many cots come with additional storage options such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant bed or a small single beds to expand their usage.
Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed purchase.
A variety of cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy, neat tots and cots tidy and looks amazing. The ease of access to these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their baby.
Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail that comes with some cots. This can stop your child from chewing on the wood, which could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and have a huge drawer under the bed that is perfect for storing toys, blankets clothing, and other baby necessities.
This is a great solution for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may need to buy bedding and a mattress separately, as oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot from 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 within easy reach. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's good value too.
