7 Things About Cot Beds You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a child it is crucial to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds will keep children warm and cozy. Choose a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could cause a suffocation risk. There are a range of mattresses available - foam, coil springs and natural materials for allergy sufferers, so do your research and select the best crib for newborn one for your baby's requirements.

No matter if you select a convertible or standard cot, the primary factor to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. This is also true for the slats. They should be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move in their sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Make sure you choose a mattress that's breathable, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

There are many styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they wake up.

The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath, 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 babies who aren't tall enough or suffer from health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Choose a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information is available in the product description and the specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping is a must. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials including foam and natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall only if an adult is present; this prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This can limit airflow, which could lead to coffin death. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they allow more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge you should choose this because it's safer when your child begins to crawl and climb up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

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

If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure whether there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources or windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (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 can come off and create a risk.

If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to go through it prior to using it and follow the directions.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of white and natural wood and the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It is also easy to build, with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).

One of our favorite features is the teething rails, which shield your baby from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, such as handles or a corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming suffocated. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs (hker2uk.Com) and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed until they're ready to move on. They may cost more than cribs.

If your nursery is very small, a crib sets may be the best choice 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' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a crib.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, top ranked cribs which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too far apart to stop your child from falling out.

Stores

Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Some cots to tots have additional storage options, including drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their usability for longer.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.

Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies, as well as other small objects. This keeps 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.

Another feature worth looking out for is a teething rail which is included in a few cots. This will help stop your child from chewing on the wood which could cause irritation. Some cots come with more traditional designs and include a large storage drawer beneath the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby necessities.

This is a great option if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may have to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. Our panel found it very easy to put together thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's a good investment too.