Cots 4 Tots

20 Fun Informational Facts About Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child, it's important to choose the right cot that is secure and safe for your little one. Find a cot which has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

This simple but elegant cot is our top pick from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot bed keeps children comfortable and warm. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could create a risk of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available: coils springs, foam, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child.

It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible the mattress is essential to comfort. It should provide proper support and promote a healthy posture. This is also true for the slats. They should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must be securely fixed to the frame so that your child isn't trapped in them while moving during sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they help regulate your body temperature and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

When it comes to fashion there's a variety of styles from classic sleigh styles with intricate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and happy when they awake.

The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who aren't big or have medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.

Look for Cots4tots.co.uk a cot which meets the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. This information can be found in the product description as well as the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, the safety of your child's sleep is a must. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended, as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in various materials, from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is locked and in the upward position.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall when an adult is present, to prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This will limit airflow, which could cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges could be safer as they allow for greater airflow.

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

Some cots have a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will grow with your child which is extremely practical and a great security measure. Other cots come with footplates that are adjustable, which is great for toddlers who want to sit up in their bed.

When you place your child's cot 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. These can all create strangulation risks. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms to look out for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and pose a danger.

If you're unsure of what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or go to a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to go through it before using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design, this gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It is also easy to construct with clear instructions and separate 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 rails for teething are among our most loved features. They stop your baby from hitting their head against the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from being suffocated. There's also an opening that can be removed to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed until they're ready to transition. They are more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery is small, you may think about a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room or you need a bed that lasts longer, you should consider a cot.

If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials, and other key elements in baby mattresses for cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too far apart, to ensure that your child doesn't get tossed out.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran, the amount of stuff that a baby requires is overwhelming. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. A number of cots have additional storage solutions available such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed to a toddler or a small single bed, which can extend their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.

Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and dummies along with other small things. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy and neat and also 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 help to stop your child from chewing on the wood, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer that is perfect for storing blankets, toys clothes, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea for when you're short on space, it's important to remember that you will need to buy a separate extra drawer. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's perfect for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants as young as birth and can be made into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.