3 Reasons 3 Reasons Why Your Cot Beds Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select the right cot that is secure and safe for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.
This simple but elegant coffin is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails as well as a 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, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause an suffocation threat. There are many types of mattresses available: coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.
If you choose a convertible or standard cot, the primary factor to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must be securely fixed to the frame so that your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.
If you're not sure which mattress to purchase, talk to friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they can help regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with intricate 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 cheerful!
The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing 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 petite infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
Look for a cot which meets the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. Look for this information in the product description or key specs.
Safety
A secure sleeping space is essential and a big aspect to consider when choosing a crib. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in different materials including foam and natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an 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 to go down only when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has a solid end. This will limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer because they allow for more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge, opt for this as it's safer when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a fantastic security measure that allows your child's cot to expand with them. Other cots come with footplates that are adjustable, which is great for toddlers who want to sit up in their beds.
When you put your child in their cot, make sure that there isn't any visible danger. It must be kept away from heaters or power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to look for any potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They may peel off and pose a danger.
If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for advice or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with instructions, read them carefully before you start using it, and follow the safe-use instructions closely.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of natural and white pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also easy to put together with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see product description for more details).
The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They prevent your child from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood and preventing them from being suffocated. It also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into an infant bed, and it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.
Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be converted 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, you might want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room or you need an item that lasts longer, you should choose a crib.
A crib 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 mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling off.
best rated cribs of baby stuff you need is overwhelming, whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. This is why it's crucial to consider storage options when choosing a crib bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, like drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler or small single bed, increasing their usefulness for a longer period of time.
Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is fairly simple and involves the removal of a side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.
A few cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This helps to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy - and it also looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.
Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail which is included in a few cots. This can help to prevent your little one chewing on the wood, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you must remember that you will require a separate extra drawer. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding, as oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view but still within reach. Our panel of experts found it straightforward to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler's bed when your child's ready.