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How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
When you are expecting a baby it is crucial to choose a cot that can provide security and safety for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.
This simple but stylish coffin is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best 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 a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are many types of mattresses available - foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child.
No matter if you select an ordinary or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a mattress of high-quality that is supportive and promotes a healthy posture. The slats should also be secured and not sagging. The slats must also be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child does not get caught when they move in their sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
When it comes to style there's a variety of styles, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted with vibrant primary colours which is great for those who want their baby to wake up feeling fresh and content!
There are a lot of cots that have a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can even purchase drop sides for small babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
Choose a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and is easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. Look for this information in the description or in the specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be a priority. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can hold the child's arms and head). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, ensure that it is locked and in the up position.
Drop sides should only be allowed down only when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall as it can block airflow and can cause coffin death. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends could be safer as they allow for more airflow.
If your cot is set on one side, choose it. It's the most secure option for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into a junior bed.
Some cots come with a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to expand with your child which is extremely convenient and an added safety measure. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.
When putting your child's cot in the crib be sure that there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be placed away from power and heater points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could create strangulation risks. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to look out for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and cause danger.
If you're unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask other parents or attend an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a guide, make sure you read it before using it and follow all the directions.
Style
This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the mix of white and natural wood, as well as the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed as your child gets older (see product description for more details).
One of our favourite features are the teething rails which protect your baby from smacking their head against the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot like handles or a corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being suffocated. There's also drop-sides to allow parents to reach their newborn. We are thrilled that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the key specs beneath each product.
cots and tots are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a new bed until they're ready to transition. They are more expensive than a crib.
If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best choice for you since it is smaller and takes up less space. However, if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, you should consider a crib.
If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of baby cot mattresses), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling out.
Storage
If you're a new parent or a seasoned one the amount of items the baby will require is immense. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. Many cots come with additional storage solutions available such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler bed or a single bed, extending their use for a longer time.
Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer a less rigid design as the process of conversion is simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This lets parents save money on an additional bed.
A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organized 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 an additional desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will help stop your child from chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and come with a large drawer under the bed that is ideal to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea for when you're short on space, it's important to keep in mind that you'll require a separate extra for the drawer. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately, as oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep baby's essentials away from view but easily accessible. Our panel found it very straightforward to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.