7 Things About Cot Beds You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
How to Choose the Best Cot Bed s for Your Baby When you are expecting your first child it is essential to select a cot which 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. Our top pick is this basic but stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions. Comfort The best cot beds will keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could cause a suffocation risk. There are many types of mattresses available – coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child. Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is essential to the comfort. It should provide adequate support and encourage an ideal posture. The slats should also be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, so your child doesn't get stuck in them while they move during sleep. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose a mattress that is air-conditioned, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria. There are a variety of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and happy when they awake. The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even purchase drop sides for small infants or those with health issues that make it difficult 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. This information can be found in the product description as well as key specifications. Safety When choosing a cot an environment that is safe for sleeping is a must. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Check that it's firm and thin – thicker mattresses aren't recommended, since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in different materials from foam to natural materials that are good for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the upward position. A drop side should be allowed to fall only when an adult is present – this prevents accidental releases. Do not place your cot against a wall if it has an end that is solid. This will restrict airflow, which can result in death of the coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots could be safer as they allow for more airflow. If your cot is set on one side, choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed. Some cots have an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. browse around here is a wonderful security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with the child. Some cots come with footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up. Whenever Baby Cot place your child in their cot, ensure that there isn't any visible danger. It should be away from heaters, windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms to check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and create a risk. If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely you can ask other parents or visit the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safety guidelines closely. Style With its beautiful sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural and white wood, as well as the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappy and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to construct with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details). One of our favorite features are the teething rails which protect your baby from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot, like handles or a corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow easier 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 are listed in the main specifications beneath each product. Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready to transition. They may cost more than a crib. If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best option 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'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a crib. A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not 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 baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling off. Stores If you're a new parent or a veteran the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. It is important to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler bed or a single bed, extending their usefulness for a longer period of time. Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed. A variety of cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby. A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This will help keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed with an older style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer which is perfect to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby necessities. This is a great option when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. 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 is stunning example of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage space that is perfect for keeping all baby essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It is suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.