How to Choose a Cot Bed
Cot beds are the safety, comfort and secure environment for your child to sleep. However they can be dangerous if you don't follow safety guidelines.
Our top pick is the Mamas & Papas Coxley cot bed, which earned high marks for its beauty, quality construction and the ease of assembly. It's suitable from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed with the purchase of an extension kit.
Safety
Cot Beds offer an environment that is safe and comfortable for your child. It is essential to determine whether it is in compliance with current safety standards. It is important to check whether a second-hand cot or an heirloom cot has been cleaned and meets the most recent British standards. It should also be free of stickers and other transfers which could create a choking hazard as well as any protrusions from the top rail that might get caught in your child's clothing or hinder them from climbing out.
It's also important to ensure that the cot is correctly assembled, particularly if it's a hand-me-down or an older model. Older cots could have been painted with leaded paint, which is toxic to babies. Modern cots come with a locking mechanism that prevents the cot from collapsing or folding when your child is in.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child. It should be sturdy and snugly fit into the cot and have no gaps on either side. Use a waterproof mattress cover to protect the fabric and extend its life.
A cot with adjustable base height is a good choice, as it allows you to lower the mattress as your child grows. This will prevent them from climbing out of the cot and falling out of the bed, and also helping to reduce their risk of SIDS. It's a good idea also to measure the height of the base regularly, especially if your baby starts crawling and pulling themselves up in bed.
If your baby has outgrown their crib, or bassinet then the next step is a cot-bed. Pick a bed or cot that meets the British safety standards BS EN 7016 for a cot, and BS8509 for a bed. tots and cots will ensure your baby is safe for the first six months. As they grow older and require more space, you might think about a bunk bed or single bed. Babymore offers a variety of cots that are compliant with all safety standards.
Style
For new parents, selecting the right Cot Bed that's safe for your baby but that also looks great can be a difficult task. However, with a little bit of research you can locate the perfect crib for your baby that looks stylish and match your decor. The top cots are available in various designs, such as solid fronts and side panels that are slatted. You can choose one that is in line with your style and the room of your baby.
There are plenty of cots on the market that will suit any taste and budgets, whether you're searching for a modern, traditional, or something in between. Some cots come with extra features such as teething rails or under-bed drawers to keep things neat and tidy.
Another important factor to consider is the length of use of your cot. You'll want to transfer your child to a toddler bed when they are able to stand up on their own and sit up on their own, which is usually at the age of 3. For this reason, choosing a cot that will convert into a toddler bed can be a good investment. You can purchase the mattress separately and, when your child is ready, you can lower the bed's base to its lowest level.
Many parents also pick the sleigh or four poster design for their cot. They can add a touch of elegance and class to any nursery and work best in rooms with high ceilings. You can also add curtains or a canopy to the set to create an even more striking effect.
When it concerns bedding for your baby, you should always aim for fabrics that are breathable, such as bamboo or cotton. It will be gentle on the skin of your baby and will help them regulate their temperature. You should also avoid using heavy blankets, as these could pose a suffocation risk. You should use fitted sheets that are comfortably over the mattress. Be sure that there aren't any gaps on either side of the mattress. This will decrease the risk of snagging and tripping, and also increase the security of your child's bed.
Convertibility
Cot beds can be changed easily into a junior or toddler bed for families growing. This will spare parents the cost and hassle of buying an entirely new bed for their child when they transition from baby to toddler.
The design of the convertible cot permits the user to customize. It can have sides that are stationary, with doors or that fold down to allow easy access. They are designed to reduce the risk of entrapment, and help create a safe sleeping environment for your child. Some have clear panels that allow your child to see their surroundings. This encourages an attitude of independence and exploration.
The majority of cot beds can be adjusted base positions to suit your baby's needs and developmental stages. The highest setting is recommended during the first few months, and when your baby grows and begins to roll over you can lower the base to prevent them from falling out of the cot. Once your child is able to sit without assistance, you can use the lowest position of the base. This will allow your child to climb into and out of the cot safely.
If you prefer a traditional look, a classic style will fit in with any nursery decor. These cots are generally made of durable and strong wood that will endure the test of time. The slats of the cot are tightly spaced to ensure your child's safety. They have been treated with non-toxic finishes.
Some cots are more modern with features such as built-in storage, teething rails and even a built-in shelf. Some even have a baby changing top that makes it easier to change your baby. This will also save you the expense and space of having a separate cabinet for changing your baby at your home.
Some cots are even more innovative than others, such as the Pinette that has a wooden frame with a house design that's perfect for hanging toys and is the ideal place to sleep in when surrounded by a sheet. It's also built to last with an exclusive design that can expand with your child to accommodate up to a 10-year old junior bed.
Storage
Finding the right cot is a smart investment whether you're furnishing the nursery or creating a baby comfortable space for your loved one. Select a cot that is able to be used for a long period of time and can be adjusted to the needs of your growing child's needs by adjusting mattress heights and rails for teething. Choose a model that is easy to put together, with flatpack features that allow you to make it yourself at home. Some cot beds also come with additional features, such as drawers underneath the bed or changing tops that can be removed.
Cots are portable, lightweight frames for sleeping designed specifically for children and infants. Some models are made of fabrics or wood and have a mattress that is simple, whereas others are more substantial and can be transformed into toddler beds. All cots have to meet strict UK safety standards, regardless of their kind.
Most cots are reasonably priced, even though the price can differ based on the materials and features. For example, the budget Westport cot from Silver Cross takes just over an hour to put together and comes with simple instructions and an Allen key. It's on the expensive side, but its sleek design and sturdy construction make it a worthy investment.
Convertible cot beds provide a great return on your initial investment, extending the life of the furniture as your baby grows into a toddler, and eventually a full-sized bed. There are options that can be converted from a crib to a toddler bed, or even sofas. These beds are typically larger than the traditional cribs. They can be more costly however, they last longer.
Think about where you'll put the cot and how large the room is before you purchase one. Cots need to be well ventilated and away from direct sunlight. Make sure the room is free of toys, clutter blankets, pillows, and other toys. If you're purchasing a second-hand cot, make sure you check the frame for protrusions which could pose a danger to your child. Contact the manufacturer if have any concerns.