20 Resources To Make You Better At 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 child. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this basic but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as 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. Choose a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps which could create an suffocation threat. There are a range of mattresses available including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. So do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.
It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible the mattress is vital to your ease of use. It should provide adequate support and promote a healthy posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats need to be firmly connected to the frame so that your child does not be caught when they move during sleep.
If you're not sure what mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for suggestions. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.
When it comes to style there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is great for those who want their baby to wake up feeling fresh and cheerful!
The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even purchase drop sides for small babies or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
Choose a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and can easily be transformed into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information is available in the product description and the specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot, the safety of your child's sleep is a must. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in different materials, from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the upward position.
A drop side should be allowed to fall only when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall because this will restrict airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots are safer since they allow for greater airflow.
If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It's the most secure option for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to move into a junior bed.
Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a fantastic safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with their needs. Some cots have adjustable footplates, which are great for toddlers who want to sit up in their beds.
Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure that there is no visible danger. It must be away from heat sources and power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to look out for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.
If you're not sure what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for help or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before using it, and follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything necessary for babies, including bedding, nappies and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It's also easy to construct with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a toddler bed and desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).
The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They keep your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any other protruding part of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing the wood, and prevent them from getting suffocated. There's also a drop-side to make it easier for you to get access to your baby. We are thrilled that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and that it's built to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for each product.
Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed at an age when they're ready to move on. They may cost more than cribs.
If your nursery is small, you may think about a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in your room or you need a bed that lasts longer, you should choose a cot sales.
If a cheap cot beds doesn't meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other key elements in baby mattresses for cots) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't fall off.
Storage
The amount of baby stuff you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when selecting the cot bed. Many cots come with additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler or small single bed, increasing their use for a longer time.
Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed like this one 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 easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save money on an additional bed.
A number of cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This helps keep everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks great. Having easy access to these items makes it easier for parents to feed their infant.
Another desirable feature to look out for is a teething rail that is available with cots. This will help keep your baby from chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and have a huge drawer under the bed that is perfect for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea for when you're running out of space, it's important to remember that you will need to buy a separate extra drawer. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed an exquisite illustration of Scandi style at its best. It has a spacious under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep baby's essentials away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.