5 Things Everyone Gets Wrong In Regards To Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting your first child it is crucial to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

This minimalist, elegant cot is our top choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Choose a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could create the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.

If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the key to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which should be firmly attached and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement during sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they wake up.

There are a lot of cots that have an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for babies who aren't big or have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

Choose a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and is easily converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. Find this information in the product description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is an essential factor when selecting a crib. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Check that the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the upward position.

A drop side should only be allowed to drop when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against the wall if it is a solid end. This will limit airflow, which could cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer because they allow more airflow.

If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It's the most secure choice for your baby when they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a great safety measure and enables your child's cot to expand with them. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who love to stand up.

When you put your child in their cot, ensure that there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources, power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and create the risk of.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely consult other parents or attend an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and a stunning array of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk or bed as your child gets older (see product description for more details).

The teething rails are among our most loved features. They keep your baby from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib sets, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing the wood and preventing them from being suffocated. It also has a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We love that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a new bed when they're ready for the transition. However, they can be more expensive upfront than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery cots is very small, a crib might be the best option for you since it is smaller and takes up less space. However, if your baby is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' bedroom or you want a longer-lasting bed, consider a crib.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats must not be too far apart to stop your child from falling out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of things a baby needs is staggering. It's crucial to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. A number of cots have additional storage options, such as under-bed drawers or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant cot bed bed or a small single bed to increase their usage.

Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of ONE side panel. This lets parents save on the cost of a separate bed.

A number of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This allows you to keep everything organized tidy and neat and also looks great. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their infant.

Another thing to look for is a teething rail that is available in a few cots. This can help to prevent your little one chewing on the wood which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and include a large under-bed storage drawer which is perfect for storing blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great option if you're in a tight space, you should remember that you will have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You may need to buy bedding and a mattress separately since oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh Mini Cot Bed bed by Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. Our panel of experts found it straightforward to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.