Why We Are In Love With Cot Beds And You Should Too
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child, it's important to choose a cot that will be secure and safe 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, stylish cot is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed keeps infants comfortable and warm. Find a comfortable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to avoid any gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available, including foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.
If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The slats need to be securely attached and not sliding. The slats must be securely attached to the frame, so that your little one doesn't get trapped in them while moving in their sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they can aid in regulating your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
When it comes to fashion there's a variety of styles of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and happy when they awake.
You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the side of the cot and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can even purchase drop sides for small babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.
Find a cot that meets the strict UK safety standard and is easily transformed into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information is available in the description of the product and the specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping is a must. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can hold the child's arms and head). Check that it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't advised as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the up position.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go to fall when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against a wall if it has a solid end. This could limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots may be safer because they permit more airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It's the safest option for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to move into the junior bed.
Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a fantastic security measure that allows your child's cot to expand with them. Other cots come with adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their bed.
When placing infant cot bed , make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. All of these could create strangulation risks. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms to look out for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They can come off and cause danger.
If you're unsure of what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for help or go to a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. Mini Cot Bed loved the mix of white and natural pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including bedding, nappies and an enviable assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).
One of our favourite features are the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head against the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot, such as the handle or corner post, and which can also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming in danger of being suffocated. There's also a drop-side to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We are thrilled 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 are generally bigger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready for the transition. However, they are pricier upfront than the crib that is standard.
If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best option for you as it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your child is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' rooms or you want a longer-lasting bed, you should consider a cot.
A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't get tossed out.
Storage
If you're a new parent or an experienced one the amount of items a baby needs is staggering. This is why it's essential to think about storage options when choosing the cot bed. Some cots have additional storage options, including drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to increase their use.
Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed purchase.
Some cot beds come with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies, as well as other small items. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.
A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This will help prevent your little one chewing on the wood, which could cause irritation. Some cots feature a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby necessities.
While this is a great idea for when you're in a tight space, it's important to remember that you will have to purchase an extra drawer. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding since sheets and mattresses that are oval are not typically included with the cot.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to put together for our panel. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.