Five Killer Quora Answers On Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting a child, it is important to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawer. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause an suffocation threat. There are a range of mattresses available on the market that include coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers, so do your research and select the best one for your baby's needs.

Whether you opt for a convertible or standard cot, the primary factor to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The slats need to be securely attached and not sagging. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame so that your child isn't stuck in them while they move during sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they aid in regulating your body temperature and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

In terms of style there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful as they awake.

You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for babies who are small or have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and can easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is right. This information is found in the product description and the specifications.

Safety

A secure sleeping space is a must and a major aspect to consider when choosing a crib. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no 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 the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in different materials including foam and natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to drop only when an adult is present; to prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall as this will restrict airflow and can cause the death of a coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges may be safer because they allow for more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels in order to expand with your child which is extremely practical and a great safety measure. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their bed.

When placing your child's cot ensure there are no visible hazards. It should be put away from any heaters or power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could create strangulation risks. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, make sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and pose a danger.

If you're unsure of what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow all the instructions.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of white and natural pine, and its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and a dazzling assortment of baby clothes. It is also easy to put together, with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They keep your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing the wood and preventing them from being suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We are thrilled that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and that it is sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger 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 for the transition. However, they may be pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery cots is small, a crib could be the best option for you since it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you want a longer-lasting bed, opt for a cot.

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby mattress affordable cots) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure that your baby won't fall out.

Stores

The amount of baby stuff you need is overwhelming, whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It is important to think about storage when you choose a cot. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage solutions available like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some cots to tots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their use.

Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to save money on a separate bed.

A variety of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This helps to keep everything organised tidy and neat and also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is a important feature that's included in some cots. This can help to prevent your little one chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots come with a more traditional design and come with a large storage drawer under the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby essentials.

This is a great option when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may also need to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't typically included in the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to assemble 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, meaning it's a good investment too.