15 Astonishing Facts About Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select the right cot that is safe and secure for your child. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

This simple but elegant coffin is our top choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It is also simple to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps that could create the danger of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. So do your research before deciding on the best crib newborn one for your baby's needs.

It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible, a good mattress is vital to your the comfort. It should provide proper support and encourage an ideal posture. This is also true for the slats. They should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, so that your child doesn't get stuck in them while they move during sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful when they wake up.

The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase a drop side for smaller babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. This information can be found in the product description as well as the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be the top priority. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Check that it's firm and thin - thicker 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 come with anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has an inclined side, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be permitted down when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Do not place your cot against walls if it has an end that is solid. This can limit airflow, which could lead to coffin death. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends could be safer as they allow for greater airflow.

If your cot is set on one side, choose it. It will be the most secure option for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign they're ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables your child's cot to expand with their needs. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who like to stand up.

When you place your child's cot, make sure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be kept away from heaters and power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. All of these could create strangulation risks. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms to check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and pose a danger.

If you are unsure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for help or go to a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to go through it prior to using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its clever features, such as drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails which protect your little one from smacking their head against the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot, such as the handle or corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming in danger of being suffocated. The cot also has drop-sides to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We are thrilled that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed at an age when they're ready to move on. However, they may be pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, you might want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room, or if you need a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a crib.

If a cheap cot bed does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other essential elements in baby mattresses for cots offers) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure that your cheap baby cots won't fall off.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small single bed, increasing their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer more flexible designs as the process of conversion is simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.

Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies along with other small objects. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks great. The ease of access to these items makes it easier for parents when feeding their infant.

A teething rail is a important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect for storing toys, blankets, clothes and other baby essentials.

This is a great solution if space is an issue, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding, as oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby's essentials out of view but still within reach. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be made into a toddler's crib when your child's ready.