15 Surprising Facts About Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby When you are expecting your first child, it is important to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards. This slick and stylish crib is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions. Comfort The best cot bed keeps infants comfortable and warm. Choose a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could pose the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available: coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child. No matter if you select an ordinary or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which must be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, so your child doesn't get caught in them when moving in their sleep. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to hold bacteria. In terms of style, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours which is perfect for those who want their baby to wake up bright and cheerful! There are a lot of cots that have drawers underneath to store items as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who aren't tall enough or have health issues that make it hard to bend over. For added peace of mind, search for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the description or in the specifications. Safety When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in a variety of materials, from foam to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has an inclined side, make sure it is in the up position and locked securely. Drop sides should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present in the room. This prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall since it can block airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer as they permit more airflow. If your crib has a fixed side you should choose this because it is the most secure option when your child starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. When sale cot is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed. Some cots have features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights to allow it to expand with your child which is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Other cots come with adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their bed. When you put your child in their cot, ensure that there is no visible danger – it must be kept away from heaters and windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're purchasing furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom Be sure to check for potential hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose a risk. If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for help or take part in a local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual be sure to go through it before using it and adhere to the instructions. Style This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white wood as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappy and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of 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 details). One of our favorite features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head against the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot like the handle or corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being suffocated. It also features drop-sides to allow parents to reach their newborn. We love that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and it's sturdy enough to last 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 typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed when they're ready to move on. However, they are more expensive upfront than the crib that is standard. If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best choice for you since it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' room or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a crib. If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials, and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling out. Storage The amount of baby gear you'll need is overwhelming whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. This is the reason it's important to think about the storage options when you choose the crib bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, like drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their usage. Some cots can be converted into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. sale cot is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed. Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies, as well as other small objects. This keeps 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 child. Another feature worth looking for is a toothing rail that comes in a few cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and include a large under-bed storage drawer that is ideal to store blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities. This is a great choice for those who have limited space, but you will have to purchase a drawer on your own. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding, as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't typically included in the cot. This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect 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 the alphabetically labeled 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. This means it's good value too.