14 Questions You Might Be Uneasy To Ask Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you’re expecting a baby it is essential to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your child. Look for a cot that has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but stylish coffin from John Lewis’ Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot mattress keeps infants comfortable and warm. Choose a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could create the risk of suffocation. There are many mattresses on the market that include coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for Cots4Tots allergy sufferers – so do your research before deciding on the one that is suitable for your baby’s needs.

It doesn’t matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is vital to your ease of use. It should provide adequate support and encourage a healthy posture. The slats should also be secured and not sagging. The slats must be securely fixed to the frame, so that your child doesn’t get stuck in them while they move during sleep.

If you’re not sure which mattress to buy, consult your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they’ll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

There are many styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with ornate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel joyful and happy when they awake.

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who aren’t big or have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

Choose a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be converted into a toddler’s bed when it’s time. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big consideration when choosing a bed. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn’t be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can hold the child’s arms and head). Make sure it’s firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren’t recommended, because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in different materials including foam and natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be permitted to fall when an adult is present in the room. This prevents accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall since it will block airflow and can cause coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer as they allow for more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge, opt for this as it’s safer when your child begins to crawl and climb up. 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 grow with your child This is extremely practical and a great security measure. Other cots come with footplates that are adjustable, which is great for toddlers who want to sit up in their beds.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure that there is no visible danger – it must be kept away from heaters or windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). If you’re buying furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that can peel off and present the risk of.

If you’re unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner consult parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural and white wood and the clever features such as drawers under the bed for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappy and a huge selection of baby clothes. It’s also easy to put together with clear instructions and screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed when your child gets older (see product description for more information).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails which protect your baby from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot, such as a handle or a corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side to allow parents to reach their newborn. We love that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it’s sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid purchasing an entirely new bed as your child gets ready to go up. However, they can be more expensive upfront than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best choice for you, as it’s smaller and takes up 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, opt for a crib.

A cot isn’t suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn’t meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats should not be too close together to ensure your baby doesn’t get tossed out.

Storage

If you’re a new parent or an experienced one, the amount of stuff the baby will require is immense. This is why it’s crucial to consider storage options when selecting the crib bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, including drawers underneath the 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 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 like an edgier design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of a single side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.

Some cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dolls, as well as other small things. This helps to keep everything organized, neat and tidy and also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This can keep your baby from chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great option if you’re short on space, you should remember that you will need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets aren’t usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that’s ideal for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It’s suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it’s also a good value.