Five Killer Quora Answers On Cot Beds

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

When you are expecting your first child, it is important to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

This simple but elegant cot is our top pick from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawer. It is also simple to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cots cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a soft and airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress fits snugly to avoid any gaps, which could create a suffocation risk. There are a range of mattresses on the market - foam, coil springs, natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research and select the one that is suitable for your Baby Cot's needs.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The slats need to be securely attached and not sliding. The slats must also be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or browse online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they will help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and cot beds sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful when they wake up.

There are a lot of cots that have drawers underneath to store items and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that aren't tall enough or have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Choose a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and is easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. This information is available in the product description as well as the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Check that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Some come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the up position.

Drop sides should only be permitted down only when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge, avoid placing it against the wall because it will block airflow and can cause coffin death. According to the latest research, slatted end cots are safer since they allow for greater airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side choose this option as it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and climb up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots have a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will expand with your child - this is very convenient and an added security measure. Other cots come with footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their beds.

If you are putting your child in their cot, check that there is no visible danger. It should be away from heaters and power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture, check for choking hazards like stickers and transfers that can be removed and pose a risk.

If you're not sure about how to 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 before using it and follow all the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh style will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of white and natural wood and the clever features such as drawers under the bed for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk or bed as your child gets older (see the product description for more information).

The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They stop your baby from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing the wood and also preventing them from suffocating. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your newborn. We love that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a new bed at an age when they're ready to move on. They are more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best cots choice for you as it is smaller and takes up less space. However, if your baby is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you're looking for a more durable bed, opt for a crib.

A cot 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 the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too far apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby gear you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. It's crucial to think about storage when selecting a cot. Many cots come with additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their usage.

Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of ONE side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.

A few cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This keeps everything neat, tidy tots and cots organized. It also looks beautiful. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their infant.

Another desirable feature to look for is a teething rail that is available with some cots. This can keep your baby from chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots feature an older style and have a huge storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby necessities.

While this is a great option if you're running out of space, it's important to keep in mind that you'll require a separate extra for the drawer. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel of experts found it straightforward to put together, thanks to 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. This means it's good value too.