If you are expecting a baby it is essential to select a cot which will ensure safety and security for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.
This simple but stylish crib is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.Comfort
The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could pose an suffocation threat. There are many mattresses available on the market that include coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research and select the right one for your baby's needs.
Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is vital to your ease of use. It must provide the right support and promote an upright posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be firmly attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must be securely attached to the frame, so your child isn't caught in them when moving during sleep.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose a mattress that is 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 intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours which is great when you want your little one to wake up feeling fresh and content!
The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even purchase drop sides for small babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.
Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information is found in the product description and the specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. The mattress should be able to 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 restrict the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go down when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall since it will block airflow and could cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they allow more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed side you should choose this because it will be safest when your baby starts to crawl and climb up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to move into the junior bed.
Some cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a great safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with the child. Some cots have adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to stand up in their bed.
If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure that there isn't any obvious danger - it should be away from heaters or power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece be sure to look for any choking hazards like stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present the risk of.
If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for advice or take part in a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safety guidelines closely.
Style
With its beautiful sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural and white wood, as well as the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed as your child grows older (see product description for more details).
One of our favourite features is the teething rails which protect your baby from bumping their head on the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot like a handle or a corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming trapped. It also features drop-sides to make it easier for parents to reach their newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and that it's built to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.
Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed when they're ready for the transition. However, they may be pricier upfront than the crib that is standard.
If your nursery is small, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan on spending a lot of your baby's time in the room or you need a bed that lasts longer, you should choose a cot.
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 covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats should not be too far apart to stop your baby from falling out.
Storage
The amount of baby stuff you'll need is overwhelming whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when selecting the right cot bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single beds to expand their use.
Some cots can 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 more flexible designs as the process of conversion is easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.
Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies along with other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy and looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.
A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and have a huge drawer under the bed that is perfect to store blankets, toys, clothes and other baby essentials.
This is a great option if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. 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's crib when your child's ready.
