How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you’re expecting a baby, it’s important to choose a cot that will be secure and safe for your little one. Find a cot which has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.
This slick and elegant coffin is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It’s also easy to assemble with clear instructions.
Comfort
The Best cot for newborn cot bed keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Choose a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could cause a suffocation risk. There are many mattresses on the market – foam, coil springs and natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research and select the right one for your baby’s requirements.
No matter if you select a standard or convertible cot, the key to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats need to be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement in their sleep.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they can help regulate your body temperature and are less likely to hold bacteria.
When it comes to fashion there’s a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours which is perfect for those who want their baby to wake up feeling bright and cheerful!
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby’s growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that aren’t tall enough or have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.
Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler’s bed when it’s time. This information can be found in the description of the product and the key specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, the safety of your child’s sleep should be the top priority. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can trap your child’s head or arms). Check that it’s solid and thin – more thick mattresses aren’t advised as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers and some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and locked securely.
Drop sides should only be permitted down 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 will limit airflow, which could lead to coffin death. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer as they allow for more airflow.
If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It will be the safest option for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they’re ready to transition into the junior bed.
Some cots have a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will grow with your child – this is very convenient and an added safety measure. Some cots also have adjustable footplates, which are great for toddlers who want to sit up in their bed.
When you put your child in their cot, make sure that there is no obvious danger – it must be kept away from heaters and power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you’re purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture Be sure to check for potential dangers to your child’s health such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and create a risk.
If you’re not sure how to use your cot safely, ask other parents or visit the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and then follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the mix of white and natural wood and the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers for all baby cots online essentials, like bedding, nappies and a huge selection of baby clothes. It’s also simple to put together with clear instructions and screws for each section. What’s more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product’s description for more details).
One of our favorite features is the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head against the cot’s side or any protruding part of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being in danger of being suffocated. There’s also a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We are thrilled that it can be converted to an infant bed, and it’s built to last for four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which you’ll find in the specifications that are listed under each product.
Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid purchasing a new crib as your child gets ready to make the leap. However, they are more expensive than the crib that is standard.
If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best option for you, as it’s smaller and occupies less space. However, if your child is likely to spend most of the time in their parents’ room or you’d like a more long-lasting bed, consider a cot.
A crib 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 covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too close together to ensure your baby doesn’t fall out.
Storage
The amount of baby stuff you’ll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned one. This is why it’s essential to think about the storage options when you choose the right crib bed. A number of cots have additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed to a toddler or a small single bed, increasing their usability for longer.
Some cot sale 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 more flexible designs as the conversion process is easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of the purchase of a separate bed.
Some cot beds are equipped with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, dolls along with other small objects. This makes it easier 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.
Another thing to look out for is a teething rail that comes with cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which could cause irritation. Some cots to tots are designed in a more traditional style and include a large under-bed storage drawer which is ideal to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.
This is a great option if space is an issue, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that’s ideal to keep baby’s essentials out of view but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It’s suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it’s good value too.