10 Things Everyone Hates About Cot Beds

How to Choose the best Cot bed Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting a baby, it is important to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

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

Comfort

The best crib cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could pose a risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the primary factor to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which should be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not get caught when they move in their sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with ornate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors which is great if you want your little one to wake up feeling fresh and happy!

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who are small or have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is right. Find this information in the description or in the specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Check that it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised because they can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of a variety of materials including foam and natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and locked securely.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall only if an adult is present; this prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall since this will restrict airflow and may contribute to death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer because they allow more airflow.

If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It will be the safest option for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to move into the junior bed.

Some cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights in order to grow with your child which is extremely useful and is a safety measure. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure that there isn't any obvious danger - it should be away from heaters, power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any choking hazards like stickers and transfers that can peel off and present danger.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely, ask other parents or visit an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to read it before using it and follow all the directions.

Style

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

One of our favorite features is the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the sale cot, such as a handle or a corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from getting suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. 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 complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which you'll find in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed when they're ready for the transition. However, they are pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However should you be planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your bedroom, or if you need a bed that lasts longer, you should choose a crib.

If a cheap cot beds does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other important elements of baby mattresses for cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling off.

Stores

The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. This is why it's essential to consider storage options when choosing the right crib bed. A number of cots have additional storage solutions available such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler bed or a single bed, which can extend their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.

A few cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organized, neat and tidy - and it also looks fantastic. Being able to access these items will make it easier for parents to feed their baby.

Another thing to look for is a teething rail that is available with cots. This can stop your child from chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and have a huge drawer under the bed that is perfect for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.

This is a great option if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may need to buy a separate mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best baby cots and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep baby essentials out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's also a good value.