How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby<br /><br />When you are expecting a child it is essential 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.<br /><br />This minimalist, stylish coffin is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.<br /><br />Comfort<br /><br />The best cot bed will keep children comfortable and warm. Look for a soft and airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could cause the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.<br /><br />Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It should provide proper support and promote an ideal posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not be caught when they move in their sleep.<br /><br />If you're not sure which mattress to buy, consult your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Choose a mattress that is ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.<br /><br />There are a variety of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is perfect when you want your child to wake up feeling bright and cheerful!<br /><br />You'll find most cots have an under-bed drawer for storage and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who aren't big or have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.<br /><br />Look for a cot which is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and is easily transformed into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information is available in the description of the product and the key specifications.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />A secure sleeping space is a must and a major aspect to consider when choosing a bed. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Make sure it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers and some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the up position.<br /><br />A drop side should be allowed to go down only if an adult is present; to prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against the wall if it is an end that is solid. This will limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots could be safer as they allow for greater airflow.<br /><br />If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your child when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.<br /><br />Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with their needs. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who want to stand up.<br /><br />When placing your child's cot, make sure there are no visible hazards. <a href="https://anotepad.com/notes/binwcyab">see more</a> should be placed away from heaters and power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. They all could create strangulation risks. If you're buying furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and create the risk of.<br /><br />If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner consult parents around or go to a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.<br /><br />Style<br /><br />With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the mix of natural wood and white as well as the clever features such as drawers under the bed for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappy and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to construct, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).<br /><br />The teething rails are among our most loved features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing the wood and preventing them from suffocating. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.<br /><br />Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This lets you not have to buy a new bed when your child is ready to go up. However, they are more expensive upfront than a standard crib.<br /><br />If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best choice for you as it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom or you want a longer-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.<br /><br />If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other key elements in baby mattresses for cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too far apart to stop your child from falling out.<br /><br />Storage<br /><br /><br /><br />The amount of baby equipment you need is overwhelming, whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. It is important to think about storage when you choose a cot. Some cots have additional storage options, including drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small single bed, increasing their use for a longer time.<br /><br />Some <a href="https://notes.io/w2F9B">cot beds</a> can be adapted into a day bed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to save money on a separate bed.<br /><br />A variety of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. The ease of access to these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their child.<br /><br />A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This will help prevent your little one chewing on the wood that can cause irritation. Some cots come with an older style and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby essentials.<br /><br />While this is a great option if you're in a tight space, you should keep in mind that you'll require a separate additional drawer. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.<br /><br />This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies as young as birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.<br /><br />