Five Killer Quora Answers On Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose the right cot beds for sale that is secure and safe for your child. Choose a cot that has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this basic but stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best crib newborn cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Find a comfortable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could cause a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a range of mattresses available - foam, coil springs and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research and select the right one for your baby's requirements.
It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is vital to your comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage an ideal posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats need to be firmly connected to the frame so that your child does not be caught when they move during sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Choose a mattress that is ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
When it comes to fashion there's a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with ornate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is great for those who want their child to wake up feeling bright and happy!
Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate your child's growth. You can even buy a drop side for petite babies or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
To ensure your peace of mind, look for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. This information is found in the product description as well as the key specifications.
Safety
A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major consideration when choosing a cot. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended, 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 come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.
A drop side should only be allowed to go down when an adult is present - to prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall as it will block airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer as they allow more airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the most secure option for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into a junior bed.
Some cots have an option that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a wonderful security feature that allows the cot of your child to grow with their needs. Other cots come with footplates that are adjustable, which is 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 must be kept away from heaters, power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're buying furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom, check for choking hazards like stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present danger.
If you're not sure what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for help or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you read it before using it and follow all the instructions.
Style
With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous Cot Bed (discover this info here) will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and an enviable assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together, with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for details).
One of our most loved features is the teething rails which protect your baby from smacking their head against the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot sets like the handle or corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow you to get access to your baby. We are thrilled that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's built to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for each product.
Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a new bed when they're ready to transition. However, they are more expensive than a crib that is standard.
If your nursery isn't big enough, you might think about a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your bedroom or if you require an item that lasts longer, you should choose a crib.
A crib 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 deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't fall off.
Stores
If you're a new parent or an experienced one the amount of items the baby will require is immense. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when choosing the crib bed. Some cots have additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating 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 transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of a single side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a 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 to keep everything organised tidy and neat and looks amazing. Being able to access these items will make it easier for parents when feeding their baby.
A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and include a large drawer under the bed that is perfect for storing blankets, toys clothing, and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, it's important to remember that you will require a separate extra for the drawer. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding since sheets and mattresses that are oval are not typically included with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed is a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its best baby cots. It has a spacious under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby's essentials away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child's ready.
