10 Mobile Apps That Are The Best For Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby If you're expecting a child it is essential to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your little one. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards. This simple but elegant coffin is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and a 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 is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could create the risk of suffocation. There are a range of mattresses available including coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers – so do your research before deciding on the right one for your baby's requirements. It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is vital to your ease of use. It must provide the right support and promote a healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which should be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats need to be securely connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement in their sleep. If you're not sure what mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for suggestions. Make sure you choose a mattress that's air-conditioned, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria. There are a myriad of styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with ornate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they wake up. The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer and teething rails that stop your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also purchase a drop side for smaller babies or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over. Choose a cot that meets the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. Look for this information in the description or key specs. Safety When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a 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 restrict your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in various materials from foam to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position. Drop sides should only be permitted down only when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Do not place your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This can hinder airflow and could lead to coffin death. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they allow more airflow. If your cot is set on one side, then you can choose it. It's the most secure option for your baby when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to transition into a junior bed. Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a great safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with their needs. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are great for toddlers who want to stand up in their bed. Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure that there isn't any visible danger – it should be away from heaters, windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). When 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 not sure how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask other parents or visit the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully. Style With its stunning sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding, and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see product description for more information). The teething rails are among our top features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the handle or corner post. Baby Cot Bed prevent them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from being suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your baby. We are thrilled that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last for four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which are listed in the main specifications beneath each product. Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed until they're ready for the transition. They are more expensive than a crib. If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best choice for you since it is smaller and occupies less space. However, if your child is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, opt for a crib. If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other key elements of baby mattresses for cots) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling off. Storage The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Some cots have additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler bed or a single bed, which can extend their usability for longer. Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase. A variety of cot beds feature 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 parents to feed their child. Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail that comes in a few cots. This can stop your child from chewing on the wood, which could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and include a large drawer under the bed that is perfect to store blankets, toys, clothes and other baby essentials. This is a great solution if space is an issue however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately, as oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot. This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. Our panel found it very straightforward 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 good value too.