How to Choose the Best cot beds [www.cots4tots.Co.uk] for Your Baby

If you are expecting your first child 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 comply with UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft and comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could pose an suffocation threat. There are many mattresses on the market - foam, coil springs, natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research before deciding on the best one for your baby's requirements.

No matter if you select a standard or convertible cot, the primary factor to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes a healthy posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame so that your child isn't caught in them when moving in their sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, consult your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they help regulate your body temperature and less likely to harbor bacteria.

When it comes to fashion there's a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they wake up.

There are a lot of cots that have drawers underneath to store items, teething rails to protect your baby from chewing on the side of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who aren't big or have medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.

Choose a cot that meets the strict UK safety standard and is easily converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information can be found in the description of the product and the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot an environment that is safe for sleeping should be the top priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Check that it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has an inclined side, make sure it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall only when an adult is present; this will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge be sure to avoid placing it against the wall since this will restrict airflow and may contribute to death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they allow more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side you should choose this because it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign they're ready to transition into a junior bed.

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

When you put your child in their cot, ensure that there isn't any visible danger - it must be away from heat sources and windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that can peel off and present danger.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner consult other parents or attend a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a guide be sure to go through it before using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural and white wood and the clever features like drawers under the bed for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies, and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more details).

The rails for teething are among our top features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from being suffocated. There's also a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and it's built to last for 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 usually larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready for the transition. They are more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, you may be considering a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan on spending a lot of your baby's time in your room or if you require a bed that lasts longer, you should consider a crib.

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

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. Many cots come with additional storage options such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted to a toddler or a small single bed, extending their use for a longer time.

Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to save money on a separate bed.

A few cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This helps to keep everything organized, neat and tidy and looks amazing. Having easy access to these items will make it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with an older style and include a large storage drawer under the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea for when you're short on space, you must remember that you will need to buy a separate extra drawer. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately since oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed an exquisite illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage compartment that's ideal for keeping all baby essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to put together for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's a good investment too.