What s Holding Back The Cot Beds Industry
How to Choose the best cot beds (ondashboard.win) for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose a cot that's safe and secure for your child. Look for a cot that has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this basic but stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could create a risk of being suffocated. There are many mattresses on the market that include coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research and select the best one for your baby's requirements.
No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is essential to ease of use. It should provide proper support and encourage a healthy posture. The slats should also be secured and not sliding. The slats must also be secured to the frame so that your little one doesn't get caught in them when moving in their sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online cots reviews for recommendations. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to harbor bacteria.
When it comes to style there's a variety of styles of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they wake up.
The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who aren't tall enough or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
Find a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information is available in the product description as well as the specifications.
Safety
A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major factor when selecting a cot. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can trap 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 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 upward position.
Drop sides should only be allowed down only when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental release. Do not place your cot against a wall if it has an end that is solid. This will restrict airflow, which can lead to coffin death. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends could be safer as they allow for greater airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge you should choose this because it is the most secure option when your child begins to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to move into a junior bed.
Some cots have an option where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will grow with your child which is extremely practical and a great security measure. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who love to stand up.
When putting your child's cot in the crib ensure there are no visible hazards. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could pose a strangulation risk. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to look out for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and create a risk.
If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow the instructions.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural and white wood and the innovative features like drawers under the bed for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappy and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They stop your child from hitting their head against the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop children from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from getting suffocated. It also features a drop-side to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.
Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed until they're ready to transition. They are more expensive than a crib.
If your nursery isn't big enough, you might think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in your room, or if you need an item that lasts longer, you should opt for a cot.
A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats shouldn't be too close together to ensure your baby doesn't fall off.
Storage
Whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is the reason it's important to consider the storage options when you choose a crib bed. Many cots come with additional storage solutions available such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to increase their use.
Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to save money on the purchase of a separate bed.
A variety of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small cot beds items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items will make it easier for parents when feeding their baby.
Another thing to look out for is a teething rail which is included with cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is ideal for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.
This is a great choice if space is an issue, but you will have to purchase a drawer on your own. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed an exquisite example of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep all baby necessities out of sight but still easily accessible. Our panel found it very easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's also a good value.