14 Questions You re Afraid To Ask About Cot Beds

How to Choose the best rated cribs Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting your first child it is crucial to choose a cot that can provide security and safety for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could create a suffocation risk. There are many mattresses available on the market - foam, coil springs and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It must provide the right support and promote an upright posture. This is also true for the slats, which should be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement during sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or browse online reviews. Look for ones that are breathable, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours, which is ideal if you want your child to wake up bright and content!

You'll find most cots have a drawer underneath for storage as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can even buy drop sides for small infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

Find a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. This information is available in the product description and key specifications.

Safety

A secure sleeping space is a must and a major aspect to consider when choosing a cot. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Make sure it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the upward position.

A drop side should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present; to prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall as it can block airflow and may contribute to coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer because they allow more airflow.

If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It will be the most secure option for your child when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a wonderful security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with their needs. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who want to stand up.

When placing your child's cot ensure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be placed away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could create strangulation risks. When purchasing 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 pose a danger.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely you can ask other parents or attend an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your crib comes with a manual, make sure you read it before using it and follow all the directions.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of white and natural wood as well as the clever features like drawers under the bed for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for more details).

One of our favourite features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head against the cot beds for sale's side or any other protruding parts of the cot like a handle or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming trapped. The cot also has a drop-side to allow parents to reach their newborn. We are thrilled that it can be converted into an infant bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last 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 transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed until they're ready for the transition. They may cost more than cribs.

If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best rated cribs choice for you as it is smaller and takes up less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend much of their time in their parents' bedroom or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, opt for a cot.

A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when choosing a crib bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler bed or a single bed, extending their usability for longer.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This allows parents to reduce the expense of an additional bed.

Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dummies along with other small things. This helps to keep everything organized tidy and neat and also looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for parents to feed their child.

Another thing to look for is a toothing rail which is included with cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with more traditional designs and come with a large storage drawer underneath the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, baby essentials.

This is a great solution for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's a good cribs investment too.