10 Real Reasons People Hate Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby When you are expecting your first child, it is important to select a cot which will ensure safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards. This minimalist, elegant crib is our top pick from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and an storage drawer. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions. Comfort The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to avoid any gaps that could cause the 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 determine the best one for your child. It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It should provide adequate support and encourage an upright posture. The slats should also be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats must also be secured to the frame so that your child isn't stuck in them while they move in their sleep. Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria. There are a myriad of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful as they awake. The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase drop sides for small infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over. Find a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and is easily transformed into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information is found in the product description and key specifications. Safety When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep is a must. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Make sure mini cot beds is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can 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 even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the up position. Drop sides should only be allowed down only when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall since it will block airflow and may contribute to coffin death. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they allow more airflow. If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It's the most secure choice for your baby when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to transition into a junior bed. Some cots have an option where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to grow with your child which is extremely useful and is a security measure. Some cots come with footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up. Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure that there is no visible danger – it must be away from heat sources and windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers 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 other parents or visit the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your crib comes with a manual, make sure you read it before using it and follow all the instructions. Style This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the combination of white and natural wood as well as the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to construct, with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your child gets older (see the product description for details). The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They keep your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also stop children from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from suffocating. It also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We love that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and that it is sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the key specs beneath each product. Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing an entirely new bed when your child is ready to go up. However, they are more expensive than the crib that is standard. If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best option for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space. However, if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, consider a cot. A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used 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 out. Stores Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. It's important to consider storage when selecting a cot. Many cots come with additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant bed or a small single beds to expand their use. Some cots can be transformed into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of one side panel. This lets parents reduce the expense of a separate bed. A few cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy and also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby. A teething rail is a desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and include a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect for storing toys, blankets clothes, and other baby necessities. While this is a great option if you're in a tight space, it's important to be aware that you'll have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the cot itself. This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child's ready.