14 Questions You re Anxious To Ask Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby Cot Bed
If you're expecting a child it is essential to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this simple yet stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps that could create a risk of being suffocated. There are a range of mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research before deciding on the right one for your baby's requirements.
No matter if you select an ordinary or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. The slats should also be securely attached and not sagging. The slats should also be secured to the frame so that your child isn't 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 suggestions. Make sure you choose a mattress that's breathable, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.
There are many styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel joyful and cheerful as they wake up.
Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for babies who are small or suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
For added security, opt for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. This information can be found in the product description and key specifications.
Safety
A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big factor when selecting a cot. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can trap the child's arms or head). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in various materials, from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has a drop side, ensure it is in the up position and secured.
A drop side should only be allowed to go down when an adult is present, this prevents accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against a wall if it has a solid end. This could hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer because they allow more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge you should choose this because it's safer when your baby starts to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots have an option where the base can be raised to three different heights to allow it to expand with your child - this is very practical and a great security measure. Other cots come with footplates that are adjustable, which is great for toddlers who want to stand Best Cot Beds up in their bed.
When you place your child's cot, make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be kept away from any heaters or power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could present a strangulation threat. If you're purchasing furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom Be sure to check for potential hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and pose the risk of.
If you're unsure of about how to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide be sure to read it before using it and adhere to the directions.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of white and natural wood and the clever features such as drawers under the bed for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappy and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to build, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your child gets older (see the product's description for more details).
The teething rails are among our most loved features. They stop your baby from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. It also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last for up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed 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 buying another bed when they're ready for the transition. They are more expensive than cribs beds.
If your nursery isn't big enough, you might think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room or if you require an item that lasts longer, you should choose a crib.
A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats should not be too close together to ensure that your baby won't get tossed out.
Stores
If you're a new parent or an experienced one the amount of things the cheap baby cots for sale will require is immense. This is why it's crucial to consider storage options when choosing the crib bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating cot top rated cots changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single beds to expand their usage.
Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.
Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies and Best Cot Beds other small things. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks beautiful. Being able to access these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their child.
Another feature worth looking for is a toothing rail which is included in a few cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some affordable cots feature an older style and come with a large storage drawer underneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby essentials.
While this is a great option if you're in a tight space, it's important to be aware that you'll have to purchase an extra drawer. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel of experts found it straightforward to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready. This means it's also a good value.