Why You Should Concentrate On Enhancing Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose a cot that's safe and secure for your baby. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this basic but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It is also simple to put together and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps that could create the danger of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are many mattresses available including coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research before deciding on the best one for your baby's needs.
No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your the comfort. It should provide adequate support and encourage a healthy posture. The slats must be secured and not sliding. The slats must also be securely connected to the frame to ensure that your child does not get caught when they move in their sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for suggestions. Choose a mattress that is ventilated, as they'll aid in regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to pick from that include traditional sleighs with ornate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours which is great if you want your baby to wake up bright and cheerful!
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate baby's growth. You can even purchase a drop side for petite babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.
To ensure your peace of mind, look for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is right. This information is available in the description of the product and key specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment is a must. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can trap the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in a variety of materials, from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop sides, make sure it is in the upward position and secured.
Drop sides should only be allowed down only when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has a solid end. This can limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots are safer since they permit more airflow.
If your cot is set on one side, choose it. It's the safest option for your baby as they begin 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 feature features that allow 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. Other cots come with footplates that are adjustable, which is great for toddlers who want to sit up in their beds.
When you place your child's cot, make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece be sure to look for any choking hazards like stickers and transfers that may peel off and present a risk.
If you're not sure how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before using it, and follow the safety guidelines closely.
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 such as drawers under the bed for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to build with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).
One of our most loved features are the teething rails, which shield your baby from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any protruding part of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being suffocated. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to a toddler bed, and it is sturdy enough to last for four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the key specs beneath each product.
Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This lets you not have to buy a new crib as your child gets ready to make the leap. They can be more expensive than cribs.
If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best option for you since it is smaller and takes up less space. However, if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a cot.
A cheap cot bed isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won't fall off.
Storage
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. This is why it's essential to consider storage options when selecting the right cot bed. Some cots have additional storage options, like drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cheap cots are able to be converted into a toddler bed or small single beds to expand their use.
Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This lets parents save money on the purchase of a separate bed.
Some cot beds are equipped with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies, as well as other small things. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks beautiful. Having easy access to these items will make it easier for parents to feed their infant.
Another thing to look for is a teething rail which is included with cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots offers come with more traditional designs and come with a large storage drawer under the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.
This is a great option for those who have limited space, but you will have to purchase a drawer on your own. It is also possible to buy a new mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together, thanks to 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's ready.