10 Reasons Why People Hate 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 secure and safe for your child. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

Our top ranked cribs pick is this basic but stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot mattress keeps children comfortable and warm. Look for a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could create the danger of suffocation. There are a range of mattresses available - foam, coil springs and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. So do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.

Whether you opt for a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child does not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, consult your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

When it comes to style, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with ornate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel cheerful and happy when they wake up.

You'll find most cots have an under-bed drawer for storage and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who aren't tall enough or have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep is a must. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of a variety of materials including foam and natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the up position.

Drop sides should only be permitted to fall when an adult is present in the room. This prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall since it can block airflow and could cause coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge you should choose this because it is the most secure option when your child starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a wonderful security measure that allows your child's cot to expand with their needs. Some cots also have adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their bed.

When you place your child's cot, make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be put away from heaters and power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could present a strangulation threat. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms to check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.

If you're not sure about how to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow all the directions.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural and white wood, as well as the clever features such as drawers under the bed for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappy and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for details).

One of our favorite features is the teething rails, which shield your baby cot online 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 can also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being in danger of being suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your baby. We are thrilled that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and it is sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid buying a new bed as your child gets ready to make the leap. However, baby cot they may be pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small cot beds, a crib could be the best choice for you as it is smaller and occupies less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom or you want a longer-lasting bed, you should consider a cot.

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

Storage

The amount of baby stuff you need is overwhelming, regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. This is why it's crucial to consider storage options when choosing the cot bed. Many cots come with additional storage solutions available such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single beds to expand their usage.

Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great crib choice for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to save money on an additional bed.

Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dummies, as well as other small objects. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items will make it much easier for parents when feeding their baby.

A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots have more traditional designs and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, Baby cot toys blankets, baby necessities.

This is a great solution for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may have to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed stunning example of Scandi style at its best crib for newborn. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby's essentials out of sight but still easily accessible. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants as young as birth and can be converted into a toddler's crib when your child's ready.