Are You Getting The Most Out From Your 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 safe and secure for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards. Our top choice is this simple but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. top rated cots has three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions. Comfort The best cot bed will keep infants comfortable and warm. Look for a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could create a risk of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available – foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child. It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your ease of use. It should provide proper support and promote an upright posture. This is also true for the slats, which must be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not get caught when they move during sleep. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they will aid in regulating your body temperature and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria. There are a variety of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors which is perfect if you want your baby to wake up feeling fresh and content! Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate baby's growth. You can even buy drop sides for small babies or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over. To ensure your security, opt for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the product description or in the specifications. Safety A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major consideration when choosing a bed. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can restrict 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 materials for allergy sufferers. Some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure it is in the up position and locked securely. Drop sides should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present in the room. This prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This will limit airflow, which could cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they allow for more airflow. If your crib has a fixed edge you should choose this because it is the most secure option when your child begins to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed. Some cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a fantastic security measure that allows the cot of your child to grow with the child. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who want to stand up. When you put your child in their cot, check whether there is no visible danger – it should be away from heaters or windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, be sure to check for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and create a risk. If you're not sure how to use your cot safely consult other parents or attend the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your crib comes with a manual be sure to go through it before using it and follow all the directions. Style This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything necessary for babies, including bedding, nappies and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed as your child gets older (see the product description for more information). One of our favorite features are the teething rails that protect your baby from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot like a handle or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming trapped. It also has a drop-side for easier 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 four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the specifications that are listed under each product. Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing a new bed as your child gets ready to make the leap. However, they are more expensive than a standard crib. If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best option for you since it is smaller and occupies less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom or you're looking for a more durable 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 outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats should not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling off. Stores The amount of baby stuff you'll need is overwhelming whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when choosing a crib bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage solutions available such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single beds to expand their usage. Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of a single side panel. It also lets parents save money on a bed purchase. A few cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child. Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail which is included in a few cots. This will help prevent your little one chewing on the wood, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and have a huge under-bed storage drawer that 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, it's important to be aware that you'll need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot. This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready. This means it's a good investment too.