How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
When you are expecting a child 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) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.
This minimalist, elegant crib is our top choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could pose a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.
Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is essential to ease of use. It should provide adequate support and encourage an ideal posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must be securely fixed to the frame so that your child doesn't get caught in them when moving in their sleep.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
In terms of style, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they awake.
Most cots come with drawers underneath to store items and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the side of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can even buy a drop side for smaller infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
For added peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.
Safety
A safe sleeping environment is a must and a major factor when selecting a crib. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Check that it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended, as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If best cots uk has an inclined side, make sure it is in the up position and locked securely.
Drop sides should only be allowed down when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental release. Avoid placing your cot on the wall if it is a solid end. This could hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots may be safer because they allow for more airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your child when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a great safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with them. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who want to stand up.
When you place your child's cot, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from any heaters or power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. They all could pose a strangulation risk. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms to look out for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.
If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask other parents or attend the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a guide be sure to go through it prior to using it and follow all the directions.
Style
With its stunning sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and an enviable array of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of 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 description for details).
The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They keep your baby 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 children from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from suffocating. The cot also has drop-sides to allow you to get access to your baby. We love that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's built to last for up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the key specs below each product.
Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid purchasing a new bed as your child gets ready to move up. However, they are more expensive than the crib that is standard.
If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best choice for you since it is smaller and takes up less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, opt for a crib.
A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats should not be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won't get tossed out.
Storage
The amount of baby stuff you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. It's crucial to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating cot 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.
best cots uk can be transformed into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.
A number of cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This helps to keep everything organised, neat and tidy and looks great. The ease of access to these items will make it much easier for parents when feeding their baby.
A teething rail is an additional desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is perfect for storing blankets, toys clothes, and other baby necessities.
This is a great solution if space is an issue however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may need to buy bedding and a mattress separately because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. Our panel was able to find it straightforward to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler's crib when your child's ready.