10 Real Reasons People Hate Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby cot online, it's important to choose a cot that will be safe and secure for your child. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

This simple but stylish cot is our top pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cots uk cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible the mattress is vital to your comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage a healthy posture. The slats need to be securely attached and not sagging. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame so that your child isn't trapped in them while moving during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they can help regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

In terms of style, there's a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful when they awake.

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase a drop side for smaller infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

To ensure your security, opt for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the product description or in the specifications.

Safety

A secure sleeping space is an essential factor when selecting a crib. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't advised since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of various materials, from foam to natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some even come with 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 fall when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has an end that is solid. This could limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges may be safer because they permit more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side, opt for this as it's safer when your child starts to crawl and climb up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots have an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a fantastic security feature that allows the cot of your child to grow with the child. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who like to stand up.

If you are putting your child in their cot, check whether there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources, power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask other parents or visit the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your crib comes with a manual, make sure you go through it before using it and follow all the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the combination of natural wood and white, as well as the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They stop your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also prevent children from chewing on the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. It also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's 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 can be converted into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid buying an entirely new bed when your child's ready to make the leap. However, they may be more expensive upfront than a 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. However, if your child is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a cot.

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

Stores

The amount of baby stuff you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. It's important to consider storage when selecting a cot sets. A number of cots have additional storage options, such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to increase their use.

Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

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

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

While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you must remember that you will require a separate extra for the drawer. You may need to buy a separate mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed is an exquisite illustration of Scandi style at its best. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal for keeping all baby essentials out of sight but still 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 once your child is ready, which means it's a good investment too.