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 important to choose a cot that will be safe and secure for your child. Look for a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

This minimalist, stylish coffin is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best baby cots cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could cause a risk of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available - foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes a healthy posture. The slats should also be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats must also be securely connected to the frame so that your child does not be caught when they move during sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Look for ones that are breathable, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

In terms of style there's a variety of styles, from traditional sleigh styles with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in vibrant primary colours which is great for those who want their child to wake up feeling fresh and happy!

Most cots come with drawers underneath to store items as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who aren't big or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler's cot when it is 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. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop side, ensure it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go down when an adult is present in the room. This will prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against a wall if it has an end that is solid. This could limit airflow, which could lead to coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer as they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the safest option for your baby when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots feature an option where the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will grow with your child - this is very practical and a great security measure. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.

When you put your child in their cot, check that there isn't any visible danger - it must be away from heat sources or windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for choking hazards like stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and create a risk.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely consult parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh design will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and a stunning array of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child gets older (see product description for more details).

The rails for teething are among our top features. They keep your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also prevent children from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also drop-sides to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed when they're ready to transition. However, they are more expensive than the standard crib.

If your nursery is small, you might think about a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your room, or if you need a bed that will last 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 outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Storage

If you're a new parent or a seasoned one the amount of items a baby needs is staggering. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when selecting the crib bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, such as drawers under the bed or a coordinating 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 adapted into a day bed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an unstructured design since the process of conversion is simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

A number of cot sales beds have hanging rails that can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their infant.

A teething rail is a desired feature that is found in some cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed with an older style and include a large drawer under the bed that is perfect for storing toys, blankets clothes, and other baby necessities.

This is a great option when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may have to purchase an additional mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot beds for sale.

This sleigh-style cot bed is stunning illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep all baby necessities away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants as young as birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child's ready.