What s Holding Back The Cot Beds Industry

How to Choose the best baby cots Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting your first child it is crucial to choose a cot that can provide security and safety for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

This simple but stylish coffin is our top choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and a storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds (homepage) keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could create an suffocation threat. 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.

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

If you're not sure which mattress to purchase, talk to friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Look for ones that are air-conditioned, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bright primary colors which is great for those who want their baby to wake up feeling fresh and cheerful!

Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that aren't tall enough or suffer from health issues that make it hard to bend over.

For extra security, opt for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the product description or in the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment is a must. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Check that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials from foam to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is locked and in the up position.

Drop sides should only be allowed down only when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. If your cot has a solid end be sure to avoid placing it against the wall as it can block airflow and can cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges are safer since they permit more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it is the most secure option when your child begins to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a fantastic security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with their needs. Some cots also have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their bed.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure whether there is no obvious danger - it should be away from heaters or power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece Be sure to check for potential hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose danger.

If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for advice or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and an enviable assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed as your child grows older (see product description for more details).

One of our favorite features is the teething rails, which shield your baby from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being in danger of being suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow parents to reach their newborn. We love that it can be converted into an infant bed, and it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which can be found in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid buying an entirely new bed when your child's ready to move up. They may cost more than recommended cribs.

If your nursery is small, a crib sets could be the best choice for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, opt for a crib.

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 essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won't fall out.

Stores

The amount of baby gear you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. It's crucial to think about storage when you choose a cot. Many cots come with additional storage options such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted to a toddler or a small single bed, which can extend their usability for longer.

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 prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of one side panel. This lets parents save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.

Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and dolls, as well as other small things. This allows you to keep everything organized tidy and neat and looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another desirable feature to look out for is a teething rail which is included with some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and include a large under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothes, and other baby essentials.

This is a great solution when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best cot bed and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but within easy reach. Our panel was able to find it straightforward to put together, thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's good value too.