How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that's safe and secure for your child. Look for a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.
Our top choice is this simple but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps which could create the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do see more to determine the most suitable one for your child.
No matter if you select an ordinary or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame so that your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.
If you're not sure what mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for suggestions. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and happy when they wake up.
Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage as well as teething rails that protect your baby 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 are small or suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
For added security, opt for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and will easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. Look for this information in the product description or in the specifications.
Safety
A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major factor when selecting a crib. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child's arms or head). Make sure it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the up position.
A drop side should be allowed to drop only when an adult is present; to prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall since it can block airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges may be safer because they allow for greater airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the safest option for your child when they begin to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a fantastic safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with the child. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who love to stand up.
If you are putting your child in their cot, check that there is no obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters, power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to check for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They may peel off and create a risk.
If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for advice or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has an instruction manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and follow the safety guidelines closely.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural and white wood, as well as the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappy and a wide selection of baby clothes. It is also easy to put together with clear instructions and screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).
The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They stop your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing the wood and preventing them from suffocating. The cot also has drop-sides to make it easier for you to get access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.
Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This lets you avoid buying a new crib when your child's ready to go up. However, they are pricier upfront than the crib that is standard.
If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best option for you since it is smaller and takes up less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, 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 covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't fall out.
Stores
Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. It is important to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. Some cots have additional storage options, including drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, increasing their usability for longer.
Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who like an edgier design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a bed purchase.
A variety of cot beds come with 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 beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.
A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and come with a large drawer under the bed that is perfect for storing toys, blankets clothes, and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you should be aware that you'll require a separate extra for the drawer. It is also possible to buy a new mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot itself.
This sleigh-style cot bed stunning example of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep all baby necessities away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child's ready.