14 Questions You Might Be Anxious To Ask Cot Beds

How to Choose the best infant cribs Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting your first child, it is important to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

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

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Find a comfortable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to avoid any gaps that could cause a risk of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the best one for your child.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your comfort. It should provide proper support and promote an ideal posture. The slats must be securely attached and not sagging. The slats need to be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations, or read online cots reviews. Make sure you choose a mattress that's ventilated, as they'll aid in regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

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

Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the side of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase drop sides for small babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For added peace of mind, search for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the product description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major aspect to consider when choosing a cot. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child's arms or head). Make sure it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended, because they can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot has drop sides, make sure it is in the upward position and secured.

A drop side should be allowed to drop only when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall as it will block airflow and can cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they permit more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It's the most secure option for your child when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to move into a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables your child's cot to expand with their needs. Some cots have adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their beds.

When you place your child's cot ensure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be kept away from heaters and power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. All of these could present a strangulation threat. When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to look out for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and pose a danger.

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

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This stunning crib will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all the baby necessities like bedding, nappies and a dazzling assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product description for details).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head against the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot like the handle or corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from getting in danger of being suffocated. It also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing a new bed when your child's ready to go up. They can be more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best choice for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space, but if your child is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' room or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider 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 covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Storage

Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran, the amount of stuff a baby needs is staggering. It is important to think about storage when you choose a cot. Many cots come with additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed into a toddler or small single bed, which can extend their use for a longer time.

Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of ONE side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed.

Some cot beds are equipped with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, dummies, as well as other small objects. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks beautiful. Being able to access these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their baby.

A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea for when you're running out of space, you must be aware that you'll have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the sale cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its best. It has a large under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep all baby necessities away from view but easily accessible. Our panel was able to find it straightforward to put together, thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler's crib when your child is ready.