10 Real Reasons People Hate Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby If you're expecting a baby it is essential to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your child. Look for cot sale with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards. This slick and elegant crib is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It is also simple to put together, and comes with clear instructions. Comfort The best cot bed will keep babies comfortable and cozy. Look for a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could cause the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available: coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child. It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible cot the mattress is crucial to ensure your ease of use. It must provide the right support and promote an ideal posture. The slats need to be secured and not sliding. The slats must also be secured to the frame, so your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep. Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they can aid in regulating your body temperature and are less likely to hold bacteria. In terms of style there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted in bright primary colors which is perfect if you want your child to wake up bright and content! There are a lot of cots that have an under-bed drawer for storage and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the side of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can even buy drop sides for small infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over. Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler's bed when it is time. Find this information in the description or in the specifications. Safety A safe and secure sleeping environment is essential and a big consideration when choosing a cot. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Check that it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the upward position. A drop side should be allowed to go down only when an adult is present – to prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This could hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots may be safer because they permit more airflow. If your crib has a fixed edge, opt for this as it's safer when your baby starts to crawl and climb up. When your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to move into the junior bed. Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a wonderful security feature that allows your child's cot to grow with the child. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who love to stand up. Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure that there isn't any visible danger – it should be away from heaters and power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're purchasing 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 peel off and present danger. If you're not sure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or take part in an 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 With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, and its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding, and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for more details). The teething rails are among our top features. They stop your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent children from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from being suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We are thrilled that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed 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 purchasing a new bed until they're ready to move on. They can be more expensive than a crib. If your nursery is small, you may think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in the room or if you require a bed that will last longer, you should choose a cot. A cot isn't suitable 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 the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats should not be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't fall out. Storage Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of items a baby needs is staggering. It's crucial to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their use. Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who prefer an edgier design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This lets parents reduce the expense of a separate bed. A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy and neat and also looks great. Having easy access to these items makes it easier for parents to feed their infant. A teething rail is a desirable feature that is included in some cots. This can help to stop your child from chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and have a huge drawer under the bed that is perfect for storing blankets, toys clothes, and other baby necessities. While this is a great option if you're short on space, you should remember that you will have to purchase an extra drawer. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately, as oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot. This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view but still within reach. Our panel found it very straightforward to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.