5 Killer Quora Answers To Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you’re expecting a child it’s crucial to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your child. Find a cot which has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

This minimalist, stylish coffin is our top pick from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It’s also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby’s warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The same is true for the slats. They should be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame so that your child doesn’t get caught in them when moving in their sleep.

If you’re not sure what mattress to buy, ask friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Look for ones that are breathable, as they’ll help regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

When it comes to style there’s a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted with vibrant primary colours which is great if you want your baby to wake up feeling fresh and cheerful!

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate your child’s growth. You can even buy a drop side for smaller babies or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

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

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a bed. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there shouldn’t be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child’s arms or head). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin – more thick mattresses aren’t recommended as they may 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 even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your crib has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be allowed down when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against the wall if it is a solid end. This can limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the most secure option for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it’s time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots feature an option where the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will grow with your child which is extremely useful and is a safety measure. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who like to stand up.

If you are putting your child in their cot, make sure whether there is no obvious danger – it should be away from heaters or power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, make sure to check for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and pose a danger.

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 be sure to go through it before using it and follow the instructions.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of natural and white pine, and its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and an enviable assortment of baby clothes. It’s also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product’s description for more details).

One of our favorite features is the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head on the cot’s side or any protruding part of the cot, like handles or a corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being in danger of being suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into a toddler bed, and it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met 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 may be more expensive than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery isn’t big enough, you might be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby’s time in the room, or if you need a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a crib.

A cot isn’t safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn’t meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn’t be too wide apart to stop your child from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby gear you’ll need is a mess whether you’re a new parent or an experienced one. This is why it’s essential to think about storage options when choosing a cot bed. A number of cots have additional storage options, such as drawers in the under-bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to increase their usage.

Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who prefer an edgier design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of ONE side panel. This lets parents reduce the expense of an additional bed.

A few cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for parents to feed their child.

Another feature worth looking for is a toothing rail that comes with some cots. This can keep your baby from chewing on the wood that could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and include a large under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothes, and other baby essentials.

This is a great solution when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets aren’t usually included in the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed is a beautiful example of Scandi style at its best. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep all baby necessities away from view but easily accessible. Our panel was able to find it straightforward to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It’s suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready. This means it’s also a good value.