How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
When you are expecting your first child it is crucial to choose a cot that will provide safety and security for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.
Our top choice is this simple but elegant cot from John Lewis’ Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It’s also easy to set up with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best crib cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could cause the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a range of mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers – so do your research and choose the right one for your baby’s needs.
It doesn’t matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is essential to the comfort. It should provide adequate support and promote an upright posture. The slats should also be securely attached and not sliding. The slats need to be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move in their sleep.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as 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 such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours 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 even buy drop sides for small babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
To ensure your peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is right. Find this information in the product description or in the specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, the safety of your child’s sleep is a must. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child’s arms or head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren’t recommended, since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has drop sides, make sure it is in the upward position and secured.
Drop sides should only be permitted to fall when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental release. Do not place your cot against the wall if it is a solid end. This can restrict airflow, online cots which can result in death of the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer as they permit more airflow.
If your cot is set on one side, then you can choose it. It’s the safest option for your baby when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to transition into the junior bed.
Some affordable cots feature an option where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will grow with your child This is extremely practical and a great security measure. Other cots come with footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their bed.
When you put your child in their cot, check that there is no obvious danger – it should be away from heaters, power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look for any choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and create a risk.
If you’re unsure of how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for advice or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.
Style
This gorgeous cot for sale bed, with its sleigh-style design will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural and white wood and the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies, and an impressive array of baby clothes. It’s also easy to construct with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed when your child gets older (see product description for more information).
The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They keep your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing the wood and also preventing them from getting suffocated. It also has a drop-side for easier access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to a toddler bed, and it is sturdy enough 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 converted into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed until they’re ready for the transition. However, they can be more expensive than the crib that is standard.
If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best choice 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’ room or you’re looking for a more durable bed, consider a crib.
If a cot doesn’t meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other important elements of baby cot mattresses) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure your baby doesn’t fall out.
Storage
The amount of baby equipment you’ll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you’re a first-time parent or an experienced one. This is the reason it’s important to consider storage options when choosing a cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their usage.
Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on an additional bed.
A variety of cot beds (linked here) come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This makes everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. Being able to access these items makes it easier for parents when feeding their child.
Another thing to look for is a teething rail that is available with cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood that could cause them 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, and other baby essentials.
This is a great solution when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may also need to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets aren’t usually included in the cot itself.
This sleigh-style cot bed stunning illustration of Scandi style at its best. It features a huge under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby’s essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It’s suitable for infants as young as birth, and can be converted into a toddler’s crib when your child’s ready.