15 Reasons Not To Ignore Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that's secure and safe for your child. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

This minimalist, elegant crib is our top pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot newborn cot mattress keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could pose the risk of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your the comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage an upright posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement during sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to purchase, talk to friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

When it comes to style there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they awake.

Most cots offers come with an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to 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 also buy an extra drop-side for babies that aren't tall enough or suffer from health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, search for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is an essential consideration when choosing a crib. 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). Make sure it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended, as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in different materials from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure it is in the upward position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to go down when an adult is present, to prevent accidental releases. Do not place your cot against the wall if it is a solid end. This will hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer as they allow more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It's the safest option for your child when they begin to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots have an option where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will increase with your child's growth This is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who like to stand up.

When placing your child's cot be sure that there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from heaters and power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose the risk of.

If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for help or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it before using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including bedding, nappies and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk as your baby cots on sale (visit the following site) gets older (see the product's description for more details).

One of our favourite features is the teething rails which protect your baby from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, such as handles or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming suffocated. It also features an opening that can be removed to make it easier for parents to reach their newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a bed when they're ready to transition. They can be more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your room, or if you need a bed that lasts longer, you should consider a cot.

If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements in baby cot mattresses) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to stop your child from falling out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, including drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler bed or a single bed, which can extend their use for a longer time.

Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed.

Some cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dummies along with other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy - and it also looks great. Being able to access these items makes it easier for parents when feeding their infant.

A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This can help to stop your child from chewing on the wood, which could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and come with a large under-bed storage drawer which is perfect to store blankets, toys, clothes and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea for when you're in a tight space, you must remember that you will require a separate additional drawer. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh-style cot bed is an exquisite illustration of Scandi style at its best crib. It has a spacious under-bed storage space that is perfect for keeping all baby essentials out of sight but still easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's a good investment too.