What Will Cot Beds Be Like In 100 Years
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
When 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 which has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.
Our top choice is this simple but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to eliminate any gaps that could create a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are many mattresses available that include coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the best one for your baby's requirements.
No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage an ideal posture. The slats need to be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats must be securely attached to the frame so that your little one doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
When it comes to style, there's a wide choice from classic sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful when they wake up.
There are a lot of cots that have a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can even buy a drop side for smaller babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.
Choose a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. Look for this information in the product description or in the specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment is a must. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Make sure it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended, because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.
A drop side should only be allowed to go down only if an adult is present, this will prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This can hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow more airflow.
If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It's the most secure option for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a great security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with them. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who love to stand up.
When putting your child's cot in the crib, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be kept away from power and heater points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could create strangulation risks. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, make sure to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.
If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask parents around or go to a local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safety guidelines closely.
Style
This gorgeous cot for sale bed, with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural and white wood and the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappy and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed as your child grows older (see product description for more information).
One of our most recommended cribs loved features is the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's built to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.
Cot beds can be transformed into toddler cribs beds if your child is old enough. This lets you avoid buying a new crib as your child gets ready to make the leap. However, they may be pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.
If your nursery is small, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot beds for sale if you are planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in the room or if you require a bed that lasts longer, you should consider a crib.
A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards 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 should not be too close together, to ensure your baby doesn't fall off.
Storage
The amount of baby stuff you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. This is why it's crucial to consider the storage options when you choose the crib bed. A number of cots have additional storage solutions available such as under-bed drawers or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to extend their usage.
Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of a single side panel. This allows parents to reduce the expense of an additional bed.
Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dummies along with other small items. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.
A teething rail is an additional desired feature that is found in some cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood that can cause irritation. Some cots feature a more traditional design and come with a large storage drawer under the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea if you're running out of space, it's important to remember that you will need to buy a separate extra drawer. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding, as oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's perfect for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. Our panel found it very straightforward to put together, thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's good value too.