20 Great Tweets From All Time About Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select the right cot that is secure and safe for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

This simple but stylish coffin is our top pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot mattress keeps infants comfortable and warm. Look for a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could cause a risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child.

Whether you opt for a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which should be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame so that your little one doesn't get caught in them when moving during sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for suggestions. Choose a mattress that is breathable, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

There are many styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is perfect when you want your child to wake up feeling bright and cheerful!

You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who aren't big or suffer from health issues that make it hard to bend over.

For added peace of mind, search for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is right. This information can be found in the product description and key specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot sale, the safety of your child's sleep is a must. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended, because they can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials from foam to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the up position.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall when an adult is present - this prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against the wall if it is a solid end. This could hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots could be safer as they allow for greater airflow.

If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It's the most secure option for your child when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cheap cots come with an option where the base can be raised to three different levels in order to grow with your child which is extremely useful and is a safety measure. Some cots 4 tots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who like to stand up.

When you put your child in their cot, ensure whether there is no visible danger. It must be away from heat sources and power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece Be sure to check for potential dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose the risk of.

If you're unsure of how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to read it before using it and follow all the instructions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh design will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers that can hold all the baby necessities like bedding, nappies and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also simple to build, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. What's more, it can 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 most loved features are the teething rails which protect your baby from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot, like handles or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being suffocated. It also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We love that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed until they're ready to transition. However, they can be pricier upfront than a standard crib.

If your nursery is small, you may want to consider a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However it is recommended cribs to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom or if you require a bed that will last longer, you should opt for a crib.

A crib 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 deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of Baby Cot (51.15.222.43) mattresses. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure your baby doesn't get tossed out.

Storage

If you're a new parent or an experienced one the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is why it's essential to think about storage options when selecting the cot bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, like drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to extend their use.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This lets parents reduce the expense of an additional bed.

Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies, as well as other small things. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy and looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots offers. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could 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 necessities.

This is a great solution for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may have to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel found it very easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's good value too.