So You ve Bought Cot Beds ... Now What
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting your first child it is crucial to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this basic but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft and comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could cause the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the best one for your child.
No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your the comfort. It should provide proper support and Best Cot Beds promote an upright posture. The slats need to be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats should also be securely fixed to the frame, so that your child doesn't get caught in them when moving during sleep.
If you're not sure which mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Look for ones that are air-conditioned, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.
In terms of style, there's a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours which is great if you want your child to wake up feeling fresh and happy!
Most cots and tots come with a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate your child's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who aren't big or have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.
Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. This information is found in the product description and the specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap 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 not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. 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 allowed to fall when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot on walls if it has a solid end. This could limit airflow, which could lead to coffin death. According to the latest research, slatted end cots are safer since they permit more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into the junior bed.
Some cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a great safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with them. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who like to stand up.
When you place your child's cot, make sure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be kept away from heaters and power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all pose a strangulation risk. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to look for any 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, consult other parents for help or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with instructions, read them carefully before you start using it, and be sure to follow the safe-use instructions closely.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel members 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, Best Cot Beds bedding and a stunning assortment of Baby Crib clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They keep your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing the wood, and prevent them from being suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your baby. We are thrilled that it can be converted to an infant bed, and it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the specifications that are listed under each product.
Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about buying another bed when they're ready to transition. However, they can be more expensive than the crib that is standard.
If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best cot newborn option for you since it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your baby is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.
A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not 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 key elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure that your baby won't fall off.
Storage
The amount of baby stuff you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Many cots come with additional storage options, such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their use.
Some cot beds can be further transformed 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 process of conversion is simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.
Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dummies along with other small items. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.
A teething rail is an additional desired feature that is found in some cots 4 tots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which can cause irritation. Some affordable cots are designed with a more traditional style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is ideal to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.
This is a great choice when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You may have to purchase an additional mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed is a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep baby's essentials out of sight but still easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.