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

How to Choose the best baby cots Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a child it is essential to select a cot which can provide security and safety for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

This slick and elegant cot is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cots uk cot bed keeps infants comfortable and warm. Choose a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps that could pose a risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available: coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child.

No matter if you select a standard or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats must also be securely connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not be caught when they move during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they can help regulate your body temperature and less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors which is great when you want your little one to wake up feeling bright and content!

Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even buy a drop side for smaller infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

Look for a cot which is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's bed when it is time. Find this information in the description or in the specifications.

Safety

A secure sleeping space is a must and a major aspect to consider when choosing a best crib for newborn. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Check that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in different materials from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.

Drop sides should only be allowed down only when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot on the wall if it is a solid end. This will restrict airflow, which can cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends are safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side choose this option as it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and climb up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they're ready to move into the junior bed.

Some cots come with an option where the base can be raised to three different levels to allow it to increase with your child's growth which is extremely useful and is a security measure. Some cots also have adjustable footplates, which are great for toddlers who want to stand up in their bed.

When you place your child's cot ensure there are no visible hazards. It should be placed away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. These can all present a strangulation threat. 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 unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with instructions, read them carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh design will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural wood and white and the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for details).

One of our favorite features is the teething rails which protect your little one from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot like a handle or a corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting in danger of being suffocated. There's also 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 the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed when they're ready to move on. However, they may be more expensive than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might think about a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in the room or if you require an item that lasts longer, you should consider a crib.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too far apart, to ensure that your child doesn't fall off.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of things the cheap Baby cots for Sale will require is immense. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when selecting the cot bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed to a toddler or a small single bed, extending their use for a longer time.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who like an edgier design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. It also lets parents save money on a bed purchase.

Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies, as well as other small objects. This helps to keep everything organized, neat and tidy and also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items will make it easier for parents to feed their infant.

Another thing to look for is a teething rail that is available with cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and have a huge drawer under the bed that is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothes, and other baby essentials.

This is a great option when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets aren't typically included in the cot itself.

This sleigh-style cot is an exquisite example of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage space that is perfect for keeping all baby essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. Our panel found it very easy to put together due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.