Five Killer Quora Answers To Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that's safe and secure for your little one. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

This simple but stylish cot for sale is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cots for newborns cot beds, reviews over at git.kdan.cc, keep babies comfy and cosy. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to avoid any gaps that could pose the danger of the mattress becoming suffocated. 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.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your ease of use. It should provide adequate support and promote an ideal posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child does not become caught in the movement during sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to buy, consult friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Make sure you choose a mattress that's ventilated, as they'll aid in to regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

In terms of style there's a broad selection from classic sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they awake.

Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that aren't big or have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Find a cot that meets the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers and some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the up position.

Drop sides should only be permitted down when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on the wall if it is an end that is solid. This could limit airflow, which could cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they allow for more airflow.

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

Some cots have a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels in order to expand with your child - this is very useful and is a security measure. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who like to stand up.

When placing your child's cot be sure that there aren't any visible dangers. It should be placed away from any heaters or power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. All of these could pose a strangulation risk. If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece Be sure to check for potential hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that may peel off and present the risk of.

If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for advice or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow all the instructions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of natural wood and white, 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 put together, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for details).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head against the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot, like the handle or corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming trapped. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We love that it can be converted into an infant bed, and it's built to last up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than recommended cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready for the transition. However, they are more expensive than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best cots for newborns choice for you since it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your baby is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' bedroom or you want a longer-lasting bed, opt for a crib sets.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats should not be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling out.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran, the amount of stuff that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is why it's essential to think about storage options when choosing the cot bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed to extend their use.

Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the process of conversion is simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of an additional bed.

A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organised, neat and tidy and also looks amazing. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their baby.

Another desirable feature to look for is a toothing rail that comes in a few cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is perfect for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby essentials.

This is a great option if space is an issue however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed stunning example of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage space that is perfect for keeping all baby essentials out of sight but still easily accessible. Our panel of experts found 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 converted into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.