10 Top Mobile Apps For Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a baby it is essential to choose a cot that can provide security and safety for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

This minimalist, elegant coffin is our top pick from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could cause a risk of suffocation. There are a range of mattresses on the market that include coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the right one for your baby's requirements.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is vital to your comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage an ideal posture. The slats should also be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats need to be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not become caught in the movement during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Choose a mattress that is air-conditioned, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

In terms of style, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful when they wake up.

You'll find most cots have an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your baby from chewing on the side of the cot and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can even buy a drop side for petite infants or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, search for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the product description or key specs.

Safety

A secure sleeping space is a must and a major aspect to consider when choosing a cot. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some contain anti-microbial treatments. If your crib has an inclined side, make sure that it is in the up position and locked securely.

A drop side should be allowed to fall when an adult is present, this will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against a wall if it has a solid end. This can hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends could be safer as they permit more airflow.

If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It will be the most secure option for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a wonderful security measure that allows your child's cot to expand with their needs. Some cots also have footplates that are adjustable, which is great for toddlers who want to sit up in their beds.

When placing your child's cot ensure there are no visible hazards. It should be kept away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. They all could create strangulation risks. If you're buying furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom Be sure to check for potential choking hazards like stickers tots and cots transfers that may be removed and pose the risk of.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask other parents or attend a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow all the directions.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of natural and white wood as well as the clever features such as drawers under the bed for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies and an impressive array of cheap baby cots clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk or bed as your child gets older (see product description for more information).

One of our most recommended cribs loved features are the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot like the handle or corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting trapped. The cot also has a drop-side to allow you to access your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and it's built to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid buying an entirely new bed when your child's ready to move up. They are more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, you may be considering a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However should you be planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom, or if you need a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a crib.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure that your baby won't fall off.

Storage

If you're a new parent or an experienced one the amount of things a baby needs is staggering. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when selecting the crib bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to increase their usage.

Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

A few cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organized, neat and tidy and looks amazing. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their child.

A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden mini cot beds which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and come with a large drawer under the bed that is perfect for storing blankets, toys clothes, and other baby essentials.

This is a great solution for those who have limited space, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. 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 by Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style in its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby's essentials out of view but within easy reach. Our panel was able to find it straightforward to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler's crib when your child is ready.