A Step-By -Step Guide For Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your baby. Choose a cheap cot bed that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

This simple but stylish cot is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and an storage drawer. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best crib newborn cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available: coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the best Cot Bed one for your child.

If you choose an ordinary or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats need to be securely attached to the frame so that your child does not get caught when they move during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they wake up.

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate your child's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who are small or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For extra security, opt for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. This information can be found in the description of the product and the key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big factor when selecting a cot. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Make sure it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some contain anti-microbial treatments. If your mattress has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and locked securely.

Drop sides should only be allowed to fall when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall since it can block airflow and can cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges could be safer as they allow for greater airflow.

If your cot is set on one side, choose it. It's the most secure option for your child when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots feature an option where the base can be raised to three different heights to allow it to expand with your child which is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are perfect 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 and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture Be sure to check for potential hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose a risk.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask other parents or visit an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a guide, make sure you go through it prior to using it and follow the instructions.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the mix of natural wood and white as well as the clever features like drawers under the bed for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

One of our most loved features is the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head against the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot, like handles or a corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We are thrilled that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last for four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a bed until they're ready to transition. They are more expensive than a crib sets.

If your nursery is small, you may think about a crib sets. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan on spending a lot of your baby's time in your room, or if you need a bed that will last longer, you should choose a cot.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too wide apart to prevent your child from falling out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Some cots come with additional storage options, including drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to increase their usage.

Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed as shown 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 simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.

Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies and other small things. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their infant.

A teething rail is an additional desired feature that is found in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots 4 tots feature more traditional designs and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea for when you're in a tight space, it's important to keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate additional drawer. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot itself.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.