20 Resources That ll Make You Better At Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting a baby it is crucial to choose a cot that will provide safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that has 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 has three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Choose a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps that could create a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are many types of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find 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 provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which must be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be secured to the frame, so that your child isn't trapped in them while moving in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

When it comes to fashion there's a variety of styles from classic sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they wake up.

You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items as well as teething rails that protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can even purchase a drop side for smaller babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them 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's time. Find this information in the product description or in the key specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be a priority. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Check that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in various materials including foam and natural materials that are good for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the up position.

Drop sides should only be allowed to fall when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall since it will block airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer because they allow more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It's the most secure choice for your child when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights to allow it to expand with your child - this is very useful and is a safety measure. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.

If you are putting your child in their cot, check whether there is no visible danger. It should be away from heaters, power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these are a strangulation hazard). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to look for any choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.

If you're not sure how to use your cot in a safe manner consult parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your crib comes with a manual, make sure you go through it before using it and follow all the instructions.

Style

This stunning cheap cot bed bed with its sleigh-style design will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the combination of natural wood and white as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to put together, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child gets older (see product description for more details).

One of our favourite features are the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, such as the handle or corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being suffocated. There's also drop-sides to make it easier for parents to reach their newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed when they're ready to move on. However, they can be more expensive than a standard crib.

If your nursery is small, you may think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However, if you plan to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room, or if you need a bed that will last longer, you should consider a crib.

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other key elements in baby mattresses for cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure that your baby won't fall off.

Storage

The amount of baby gear you need is overwhelming, regardless of whether you're a new mom or a seasoned one. It's crucial to think about storage when you choose a cot. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted to a toddler or a small single bed, increasing their use for a longer time.

Some cots to tots can be converted into day beds, as shown 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 simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to reduce the expense of an additional bed.

A few cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks great. The ease of access to these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their infant.

Another feature worth looking for is a toothing rail that comes in a few cots and tots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer which is perfect to store blankets, toys, clothes and other baby essentials.

This is a great solution for those who have limited space but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler's crib when your child's ready.