15 Presents For The Cot Beds Lover In Your Life

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting your first child it is essential to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawer. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could pose the danger of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available - foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the primary factor to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The slats should also be securely attached and not sagging. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame so that your child isn't trapped in them while moving in their sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to buy, consult friends and family or check online cots reviews for recommendations. Choose a mattress that is ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

When it comes to fashion there's a variety of styles, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted with vibrant primary colours which is great if you want your child to wake up feeling bright and content!

The majority of cots to tots have a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that aren't big or have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Look for a cot which is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. Find this information in the description or in the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are suitable for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has an inclined side, make sure it is in the upward position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to drop only if an adult is present, to prevent accidental releases. Do not place your cot against the wall if it is an end that is solid. This could restrict airflow, which can result in death of the coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots are safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It's the safest option for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots have an option where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to grow with your child which is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who want to stand up.

When putting your child's cot in the crib ensure there are no visible hazards. It should be kept away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. All of these could present a strangulation threat. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to look out for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and pose a danger.

If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for advice or take part in a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual, make sure you go through it before using it and follow all the instructions.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design This stunning crib will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of natural and white pine, and its clever features, such as drawers under the bed to store everything necessary for babies, including bedding, nappies and a dazzling variety of baby outfits. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for details).

The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any other protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from suffocating. There's also a drop-side to allow you to access your newborn. We love that it can be converted into an infant bed, and it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed until they're ready for the transition. However, they may be more expensive than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best choice for you since it is smaller and takes up less space, but should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom 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 doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Stores

If you're a new parent or an experienced one the amount of things that a Baby beds requires is overwhelming. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when selecting the crib bed. There are a variety of cots and tots that have additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed into a toddler bed or a single bed, which can extend their usability for longer.

Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the process of conversion is simple and involves the removal of a side panel. This lets parents save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.

A variety of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This helps keep everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their infant.

A teething rail is a 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 with a more traditional style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect for storing blankets, toys clothing, and other baby necessities.

This is a great solution if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may need to buy a separate mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style in its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel of experts found it straightforward to put together, thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.