20 Tools That Will Make You More Effective At Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a child, it is important to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cots for newborns cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps that could pose a risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is essential to comfort. It should provide adequate support and promote an ideal posture. This is also true for the slats, which should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not be caught when they move during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Choose a mattress that is air-conditioned, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home 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 in bright primary colors which is perfect if you want your baby to wake up feeling bright and happy!

Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage as well as teething rails that protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, as well as 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 difficult to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily transform into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the description or in the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (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 since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the upward position.

Drop sides should only be permitted down when an adult is present in the room. This prevents accidental releases. If your cot has a solid end, avoid placing it against the wall because it can block airflow and could cause coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they allow more airflow.

If your cot is set on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the most secure option for your baby when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots have features that allow the base can be raised to three different levels to allow it to grow with your child which is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who want to stand up.

When placing your child's cot ensure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be kept away from heaters and power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could create strangulation risks. If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture Be sure to check for potential hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that can be removed and pose a risk.

If you're not sure how to use your cot safely consult parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of natural wood and white as well as the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler's desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more information).

One of our favourite features is the teething rails which protect your little one from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming trapped. The cot also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your newborn. We love that it can be converted to an infant bed, and it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which can be found in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid purchasing a new crib as your child gets ready to move up. They are more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best choice for you since it is smaller and takes up less space. However, if your child is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom or you're looking for a more durable bed, opt for a cot.

A crib 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 deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too far apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Stores

The amount of baby stuff you need is overwhelming, whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to extend their usage.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of ONE side panel. This lets parents save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.

A number of cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy and neat - and it also looks great crib. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is a important feature that's included in some cots. This can help to stop your child from chewing on the wood that could cause irritation. Some cots feature more traditional designs and come with a large storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby essentials.

This is a great solution for those who have limited space but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's good value too.