20 Tools That Will Make You Better At Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your cheap baby cots

If you're expecting a child it is essential to select a cot that's safe and secure for your little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

This minimalist, elegant crib is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted 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 find the most suitable one for your child.

If you choose an ordinary or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. This is also true for the slats. They should be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be firmly connected to the frame to ensure 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 recommendations. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is perfect when you want your baby to wake up feeling fresh and content!

The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Choose a cheap cot beds that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards and can easily be transformed into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information is available in the product description as well as key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot an environment that is safe for sleeping should be the top priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Make sure it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended because they can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has drop sides, make sure it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be permitted down only when an adult is present in the room. This prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against the wall if it is an end that is solid. This can hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the most recommended cribs recent research, slatted end cots may be safer because they permit more airflow.

If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It's the most secure choice for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a wonderful security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with the child. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their bed.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure whether there is no obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters and windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look for any potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and create a risk.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask other parents or visit a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your crib comes with a manual, make sure you go through it before using it and follow the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of white and natural wood, as well as the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed when your child gets older (see product description for more details).

One of our favorite features is the teething rails, which shield your little one from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot, like the handle or corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming trapped. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your Baby Crib. We are thrilled that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and it's built to last for four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid buying a new bed as your child gets ready to go up. However, they are pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, you might think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your room, or if you need a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a cot.

If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too far apart, to ensure that your child doesn't get tossed out.

Stores

The amount of baby stuff you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. Some cots come with additional storage options, like drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler bed or a single bed, which can extend their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a bed purchase.

A few cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This helps keep everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks great. Being able to access these items will make it much easier for parents when feeding their baby.

A teething rail is an additional desired feature that is found in some cots. This can help to prevent your little one chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots come with an older style and have a huge storage drawer underneath the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, baby essentials.

This is a great solution when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding since sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't typically included in the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's also a good value.