A Comprehensive Guide To Cot Beds. Ultimate Guide To Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby When you are expecting a child, it is important to choose a cot that will provide safety and security for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards. Our top pick is this simple yet elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and an storage drawer. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions. Comfort The best cot bed will keep babies comfortable and cozy. Find a comfortable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could cause the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a range of mattresses on the market that include coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers – so do your research and choose the right one for your baby's requirements. No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible the mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which must be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be securely connected to the frame to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move during sleep. Ask your family and friends for recommendations, or read online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to hold bacteria. There are many styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they awake. Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that are small or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over. To ensure your security, opt for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is right. This information can be found in the product description and key specifications. Safety When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Check that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick 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 cot has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the up position. Drop sides should only be allowed down only when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge be sure to avoid placing it against the wall because it can block airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges are safer since they allow for more airflow. If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they're ready to transition into the junior bed. Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a great security feature that allows your child's cot to grow with their needs. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who want to stand up. If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure that there is no visible danger. It must be kept away from heaters, power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). If cot bed sales are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look for any potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They can come off and create a risk. If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely, ask other parents or visit the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safety guidelines closely. Style This stunning cot bed with its sleigh design will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural wood and white and the clever features like drawers under the bed for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details). One of our most loved features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from smacking their head against the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming suffocated. There's also a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We love that it can be converted into an infant bed, and that it's built to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the specifications that are listed under each product. Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid purchasing an entirely new bed when your child is ready to go up. They are more expensive than a crib. If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best option for you as it is smaller and takes up less space. However, if your child is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a crib. 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 deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure your baby doesn't fall out. Storage The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a new mom or a seasoned one. This is why it's crucial to consider storage options when selecting a crib bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options, like 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 increase their usage. Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed, as seen here 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. This allows parents to save money on a bed purchase. A number of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This helps to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy and looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby. A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will help prevent your little one chewing on the wood that could cause them irritation. Some cots feature more traditional designs and come with a large storage drawer under the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby necessities. This is a great solution when space is a problem but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot. This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style in its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. Our panel found it very easy to put together due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's a good investment too.