What Freud Can Teach Us About Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting a baby, it is important to select a cot which can provide security and safety for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this basic but stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and an storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could create an suffocation threat. There are many types of mattresses available, including foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.
Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be secured to the frame, so that your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they help regulate your body temperature and less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
There are many styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful when they awake.
Most cheap cots come with an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate your child's growth. You can even purchase a drop side for petite infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
To ensure your peace of mind, look for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and will easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is right. Find this information in the product description or in the key specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. Make sure 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). Check that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in different materials including foam and natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.
A drop side should be allowed to drop only if an adult is present, this prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has an end that is solid. This can hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow for more airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It's the most secure choice for your baby as they begin to crawl and pull themselves upward. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign they're ready to transition into a junior bed.
Some cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights in order to grow with your child - this is very convenient and an added security measure. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to stand up in their bed.
When putting your child's cot in the crib, make sure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be placed away from any heaters or power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure 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 safely consult other parents or attend an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with instructions, read them carefully before using it, and then follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its clever features, such as drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and a dazzling variety of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product description for details).
The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They prevent your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the key specs beneath each product.
Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy a new crib when your child is ready to go up. However, they are more expensive upfront than the standard crib.
If your nursery is small, you might be considering a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan on spending a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom or if you require an item that lasts longer, you should opt for a crib.
A cot 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 deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling out.
Stores
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. It is important to think about storage when you choose a cot. Some cots come with additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their usability for longer.
Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the process of conversion is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.
Some cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dummies, as well as other small things. This makes everything tidy, neat and organized. It 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 desired feature that is found in some cots. This will help keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which could cause them irritation. Some cots come with more traditional designs and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.
This is a great crib option for those who have limited space but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately, as oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot bed a beautiful example of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal for keeping all baby essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's a good investment too.
