Is Technology Making Cot Beds Better Or Worse?

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you’re expecting a baby, it’s important to choose a cot that will be safe and secure for your child. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

This minimalist, stylish crib is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It’s also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The most comfortable cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a soft and comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could pose a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research before deciding on the one that is suitable for your baby’s requirements.

Whether you opt for a standard or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The slats should also be securely attached and not sagging. The slats need to be securely attached to the frame so that your child does not be caught when they move during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they aid in regulating your body temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

In terms of style, there’s a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful as they awake.

There are a lot of cots that 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 www.cots4tots.Co.uk baby growth. You can also purchase drop sides for small babies or those who have 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 convert into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the description or in the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child’s sleep should be the top priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can trap the child’s arms or head). Check that it’s firm and thin – thicker mattresses aren’t recommended because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers and some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot features drop-sides, ensure that it is locked and in the upward position.

A drop side should only be allowed to drop only when an adult is present, to prevent accidental releases. If your cot has a solid end, avoid placing it against the wall because it can block airflow and may contribute to death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots may be safer because they allow for greater airflow.

If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It will be the most secure option for your baby when they begin to crawl and pull themselves upward. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it’s time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will grow with your child – this is very useful and is a safety measure. Some cots also have footplates that can be adjusted, which are great for toddlers who want to sit up in their bed.

If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure that there isn’t any obvious danger – it must be kept away from heaters, power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these are a strangulation hazard). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms to check for potential hazards to your child’s safety such as labels and transfers. They may peel off and cause danger.

If you’re unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before using it, and follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything necessary for babies, including bedding, nappies and an enviable variety of baby outfits. It’s also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your baby grows older (see the product’s description for more details).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They stop your child from hitting their head on the crib’s side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing on the wood and preventing them from suffocating. There’s also drop-sides to allow parents to reach their newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and that it’s strong enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed until they’re ready for the transition. However, they may be more expensive than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery isn’t big enough, you might be considering the possibility of 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 room or you need a bed that will last longer, you should consider a cot.

A cot isn’t safe 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 mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats should not be too far apart to prevent your child from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby equipment you’ll need is a mess regardless of whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned one. This is why it’s crucial to consider storage options when choosing a crib bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, including drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their usage.

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 like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.

A variety of cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their baby.

Another desirable feature 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 irritation. Some cots are designed with an older style and include a large under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothing, 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 also need to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets aren’t typically included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that’s ideal for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It’s suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it’s good value too.