9 Signs That You re A Cot Beds Expert
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that's safe and secure for your baby cot online. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this basic but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It is also simple to put together and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could create a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a range of mattresses on the market - foam, coil springs, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.
No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is vital to your the comfort. It should provide proper support and promote an upright posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not get caught when they move during sleep.
If you're not sure what mattress to purchase, talk to friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Look for ones that are breathable, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful when they wake up.
The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate your child's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who are small or suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
For added peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. Look for this information in the description or in the key specifications.
Safety
A safe sleeping environment is a must and a major consideration when choosing a crib. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Make sure it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended cribs, as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in various materials, from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is locked and in the up position.
Drop sides should only be allowed down when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on the wall if it is a solid end. This could limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they allow more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge you should choose this because it is the most secure option when your child starts to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to transition into a junior bed.
Some cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a great security measure that allows your child's cot to grow with their needs. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who like to stand up.
Whenever you place your child in their cot sets, check that there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources or windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to look for any choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and create a risk.
If you're unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to read it before using it and follow all the instructions.
Style
With its stunning sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of white and natural wood and the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappy and a huge selection of baby clothes. It is also easy to put together, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).
One of our favorite features are the teething rails that protect your little one from smacking their head against the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot, like the handle or corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being trapped. It also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We are thrilled that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and it is sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the specifications that are listed under each product.
Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a new bed at an age when they're ready to transition. However, they are pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.
If your nursery is small, you might want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan on spending a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom 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 as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't get tossed out.
Stores
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when choosing a cot bed. Many cots come with additional storage solutions available such as drawers in the under-bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler bed or a single bed, which can extend their usefulness for a longer period of time.
Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.
A variety of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks beautiful. The ease of access to these items makes it easier for parents when feeding their baby.
A teething rail is a important feature that's included in some cots. This can keep your baby from chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and come with a large under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothes, and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, it's important to be aware that you'll have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot is stunning example of Scandi style at its best. It features a huge under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep all baby necessities out-of-sight but within easy access. Our panel found it very easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled 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 good value too.
