Five Killer Quora Answers To Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting a baby it is crucial to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this simple yet elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and a storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause an suffocation threat. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the best cots one for your child.
No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It must provide the right support and promote a healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which must be firmly attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be secured to the frame so that your little one doesn't get caught in them when moving during sleep.
If you're not sure which mattress to purchase, talk to friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Choose breathable mattresses, as they aid in regulating your body temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they wake up.
There are a lot of cots that have drawers underneath to store items, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can even purchase a drop side for petite babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.
To ensure your security, opt for a cot that is compliant with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. Look for this information in the product description or key specs.
Safety
A safe sleeping environment is an essential consideration when choosing a crib. 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 or cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child's arms or head). Check that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in various materials including foam and natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and locked securely.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has a solid end. This will restrict airflow, which can result in death of the coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends could be safer as they permit more airflow.
If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it is the most secure option when your child starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a great security feature that allows the cot of your child to grow with their needs. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to stand up in their bed.
When you put your child in their cot, make sure that there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources, power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture, check for choking hazards like stickers and transfers that may be removed and pose the risk of.
If you're unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner consult other parents or attend a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow the directions.
Style
With its stunning sleigh design This stunning Cot Bed (sneak a peek at this site) will look great in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store everything necessary for babies, including bedding, nappies and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).
One of our favorite features is the teething rails, which shield your Baby Crib from smacking their head against the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot, like the handle or corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming in danger of being suffocated. It also features drop-sides to allow you to get access to your baby cots on sale. We are thrilled that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the key specs below each product.
Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a new bed until they're ready for the transition. However, they are more expensive than the standard crib.
If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best choice for you since it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' room or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a crib.
A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats must not be too far apart, to ensure your baby doesn't get tossed out.
Stores
If you're a new parent or a seasoned one the amount of things a baby needs is staggering. It is important to think about storage when you choose a cot. Some cheap cots have additional storage options, including drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their use.
Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed purchase.
A variety of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organized tidy and neat and also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their infant.
Another feature worth looking for is a toothing rail that comes with cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is perfect to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.
While this is a great option if you're in a tight space, you should be aware that you'll require a separate additional drawer. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of the Scandi-style at its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby essentials out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it easy to put together for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.