How to Choose the Best Cot Bed [Vloglover.Com] Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that's safe and secure for your little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps that could cause a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your ease of use. It must provide the right support and promote an ideal posture. The same applies to the slats, which should be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help you regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors which is perfect when you want your baby to wake up feeling fresh and cheerful!

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who are small or have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

Choose a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. Look for this information in the product description or in the specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major aspect to consider when choosing a crib. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Make sure it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to fall when an adult is present - to prevent accidental release. Do not place your cot against a wall if it has an end that is solid. This could restrict airflow, which can result in death of the coffin. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots may be safer because they permit more airflow.

If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It will be the safest option for your baby when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a fantastic safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with the child. Some cots also have footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to stand up in their bed.

When putting your child's cot in the crib be sure that there aren't any visible dangers. It should be kept away from any heaters or power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you're purchasing furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that can peel off and present a risk.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask parents around or go to a local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you read it before using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural wood and white and the clever features like under-bed storage drawers for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappy and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also easy to construct with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk or bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more information).

The teething rails are among our top features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop children from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from suffocating. There's also a drop-side for easier access to your baby. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's built to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler cribs beds if your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing a new bed when your child is ready to move up. However, they may be pricier upfront than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery cots is very small, a crib could be the best cots uk option for you as it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your baby is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' rooms or you want a longer-lasting bed, opt for a cot.

A crib 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 covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't fall off.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. It's crucial to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. A number of cots have additional storage options such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to increase their usage.

Some cots can be transformed into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice 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 separate bed purchase.

A variety of cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is an additional 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 have a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer underneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea for when you're running out of space, you should be aware that you'll have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby's essentials out of view but still within reach. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.