5 Killer Quora Answers To Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting your first child, it is important to select a cot which will ensure safety and security for your baby. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this simple yet stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could cause the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available on the market - foam, coil springs and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. So do your research before deciding on the best cot bed one for your baby's needs.
Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible the mattress is crucial to ensure your ease of use. It should provide adequate support and encourage an ideal posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must be securely attached to the frame so that your child isn't caught in them when moving during sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.
There are a variety of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with vibrant primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their child to wake up feeling fresh and cheerful!
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer 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 drop sides for small infants or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
Choose a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily be transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. This information can be found in the product description as well as key specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment is a must. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in a variety of materials including foam and natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop sides, make sure it is in the upward position and locked securely.
Drop sides should only be allowed down when an adult is present in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall because it can block airflow and could cause coffin death. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges are safer since they permit more airflow.
If your cot has a fixed side choose this option as it will be safest when your baby starts to crawl and climb up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to transition into a junior bed.
Some cots have an option where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to grow with your child - this is very useful and is a security measure. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who like to stand up.
When putting your child's cot in the crib be sure that there are no visible hazards. It should be put away from any heaters or power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could present a strangulation threat. If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present a risk.
If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for help or take part in a local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual be sure to go through it before using it and follow the instructions.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It is also easy to put together, with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for more details).
The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They keep your child from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop children from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from suffocating. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted 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 can be found in the main specifications beneath each product.
Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed until 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 want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your bedroom or if you require a bed that will last longer, you should consider a cot.
A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling off.
Storage
Whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of things the baby will require is immense. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. Some cots have additional storage options, including drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their usability for longer.
Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin cot sale. This is a great choice for those who prefer a less rigid design as the process of conversion is simple and involves the removal of a side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.
A few cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their infant.
A teething rail is a important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots come with more traditional designs and include a large storage drawer beneath the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby necessities.
This is a great choice when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot.
This sleigh cheap cot beds bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.