How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that's safe and secure for your child. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. best infant cribs will be in line with UK safety standards.
This simple but stylish cot is our top choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed keeps children comfortable and warm. Choose a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps which could cause a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child.
It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your the comfort. It should provide adequate support and promote a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be secured and not bent or sagging. 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 unsure of the mattress to buy, consult your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Choose a mattress that is ventilated, as they'll aid in regulate 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 elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors which is great when you want your little one to wake up feeling fresh and cheerful!
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even buy a drop side for smaller babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
For added peace of mind, search for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is right. This information is found in the description of the product and the key specifications.
Safety
A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major aspect to consider when choosing a bed. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in a variety of materials, from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop side, ensure it is in the upward 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 the wall if it is a solid end. This will limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges may be safer because they allow for greater airflow.
If your cot is set on one side, then you can choose it. It's the most secure choice for your baby when they begin to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a wonderful security measure that allows the cot of your child to grow with the child. Some cots have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their beds.
When you put your child in their cot, ensure whether there is no visible danger - it must be away from heat sources, power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and create a risk.
If you're not sure about how to use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual, make sure you go through it prior to using it and follow the directions.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural wood and white and the clever features like under-bed storage drawers for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are among our top features. They keep your child from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from being suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your baby. We are thrilled that it can be converted into an infant bed, and it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the main specifications below each product.
Cot beds are usually 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 move on. They can be more expensive than cribs.
If your nursery is small, you may want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in your room or if you require a bed that lasts longer, you should choose a crib.
A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too far apart, to ensure that your child doesn't fall off.
Storage
Whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of things the baby will require is immense. It is important to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or small single beds to expand their use.
Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This lets parents reduce the expense of the purchase of a separate bed.
Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dummies, as well as other small things. This makes it easier to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy and also looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items will make it easier for parents to feed their baby.
A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots come with more traditional designs and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby essentials.
This is a great option when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer on your own. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. Our panel found it very straightforward to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's good value too.