5 Killer Quora Answers To Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it is essential to select the right cot that is safe and secure for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

This minimalist, elegant cot is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and a storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds (more information) keep children warm and cozy. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and make sure the mattress fits snugly to avoid any gaps, which could create the risk of suffocation. There are many mattresses on the market - foam, coil springs and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. So do your research before deciding on the right one for your baby's needs.

It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is essential to ease of use. It should provide proper support and encourage an upright posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame so that your child does not get caught when they move during sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they can help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

There are many styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with vibrant primary colours which is great if you want your little one to wake up feeling bright and cheerful!

You'll find most cheap cots have a drawer underneath for storage, teething rails to protect your Baby beds from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase drop sides for small babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

Look for a cot which is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards and can easily be converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. Find this information in the product description or in the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep is a must. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of 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, ensure it is in the upward position and locked securely.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall when an adult is present; this prevents accidental releases. Do not place your cot against the wall if it is an end that is solid. This can limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they allow more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge, opt for this as it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into the junior bed.

Some cots offers feature features that allow the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will increase with your child's growth which is extremely useful and is a security measure. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who want to stand up.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, check whether there is no visible danger - it should be away from heaters, power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that can be removed and pose a risk.

If you are unsure about how to use your cot, consult other parents for help or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and an enviable variety of baby outfits. It's also simple to construct with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk and bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more information).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They keep your baby from hitting their head against the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing the wood, and prevent them from getting suffocated. It also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready to transition. They may cost more than cribs.

If your nursery is small, you may want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in your room or you need a bed that will last longer, you should choose a cot.

If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling out.

Storage

If you're a new parent or a veteran the amount of items the baby will require is immense. It's crucial to think about storage when selecting a cot. Some cots come with additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler bed or a single bed, increasing their usability for longer.

Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This lets parents save on the cost of a separate bed.

A number of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy and also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another thing to look out for is a teething rail which is included with cots. This can keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.

This is a great choice if space is an issue, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's good value too.