15 Astonishing Facts About Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it is essential to select a cot that's safe and secure for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

This slick and stylish cot is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot mattress keeps infants comfortable and warm. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could create 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.

It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible sale cot one, a comfortable mattress is essential to ease of use. It must provide the right support and promote an upright posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame so that your child isn't caught in them when moving in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in vibrant primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their child to wake up feeling fresh and content!

You'll find most cots have an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also buy an extra drop-side for babies that are small or suffer from medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.

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

Safety

When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping is a must. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Make sure it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't advised because they can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers and some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your crib has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and locked securely.

A drop side should be allowed to go down when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot on walls if it has a solid end. This can hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer because they allow more airflow.

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

Some cots come with a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will grow with your child which is extremely useful and is a safety measure. Some cots also have footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their beds.

When placing your child's cot, make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. They all could create strangulation risks. When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to look for any choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and pose a danger.

If you're not sure how to use your cot in a safe manner consult other parents or attend an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to go through it before using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style, this gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the combination of white and natural wood and the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a toddler bed and desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).

One of our favourite features is the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any protruding part of the cot like handles or a corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being trapped. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your newborn. We love that it can be converted into an infant bed, and that it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy an entirely new bed when your child's ready to make the leap. However, they may be more expensive upfront than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best choice for you since it is smaller and occupies less space. However, if your cheap baby cots is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, consider a crib.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby stuff you need is overwhelming, whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. This is why it's essential to consider storage options when selecting a cot bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options, such as under-bed drawers or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their use.

Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the process of conversion is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This lets parents save money on the purchase of a separate bed.

Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, baby cot dummies along with other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organized tidy and neat and looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will help keep your baby from chewing on the wood that can cause irritation. Some cots come with a more traditional design and come with a large storage drawer underneath the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.

While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, it's important to remember that you will require a separate additional drawer. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately since oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed an exquisite illustration of Scandi style at its best. It features a huge under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep baby's essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's also a good value.