14 Questions You re Afraid To Ask About Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose the right cot that is safe and secure for your child. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. 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 children warm and cozy. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could create the danger of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible, a good mattress is essential to the comfort. It should provide proper support and encourage an ideal posture. This is also true for the slats, which must be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must be securely fixed to the frame so that your little one doesn't get stuck in them while they move during sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to buy, consult your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Choose breathable mattresses, as they can help regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

When it comes to fashion, there's a wide choice from classic sleigh styles with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel happy and happy when they awake.

Most cots come with drawers underneath to store items, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cheap cot beds and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also buy an extra drop-side for babies that are small or suffer from health issues 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 converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information can be found in the product description and the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child's arms or head). Check that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in different materials from foam to natural materials that are good for those suffering from allergies. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go to fall when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Do not place your cot against the wall if it is an end that is solid. This will restrict airflow, which can cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends may be safer because they allow for 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 begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with the child. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted, which are great for toddlers who want to stand up in their bed.

If you are putting your child in their cot, make sure whether there is no obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters and power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these are a strangulation hazard). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, be sure to check for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and pose a danger.

If you're unsure of how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for advice or take part in 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 safety guidelines closely.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery cots. Our panel was impressed by the mix of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding, and a stunning array of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed when your child gets older (see product description for more details).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They keep your baby from hitting their head against the crib's side or any other protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing on the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed at an age when they're ready to transition. They can be more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best cot bed option for you since it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a cot.

If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of baby mattresses for cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too far apart to stop your baby from falling off.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is why it's crucial to consider the storage options when you choose the right cot bed. Some cots have additional storage options, such as drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some affordable cots can be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their use.

Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of a single side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of an additional bed.

A variety of cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organized tidy and neat - and it also looks great. The ease of access to these items makes it easier for parents to feed their baby.

Another feature worth looking out for is a teething rail that is available with some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots feature an older style and have a huge storage drawer underneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, it's important to be aware that you'll need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as sheets and mattresses that are oval are not typically included with the cot itself.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready. This means it's also a good value.