Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 Different Ways For Saying Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a child, it is important to choose a cot that will provide safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet elegant coffin from John Lewis’ Anyday range. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It’s also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could cause the danger of being 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.

No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It should provide adequate support and encourage an ideal posture. The same applies to the slats, which should be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

If you’re unsure of the mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they will aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are many styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bright primary colors which is perfect if you want your baby to wake up bright and cheerful!

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who aren’t tall enough or suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is an essential consideration when choosing a crib. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there shouldn’t be gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can trap the child’s arms or head). Make sure it’s solid and thin – more thick mattresses aren’t recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has an inclined side, make sure it is in the up position and locked securely.

A drop side should be allowed to fall when an adult is present – this will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on walls if it has a solid end. This could hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the most secure option for your child when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. 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, so that it will grow with your child which is extremely useful and is a security measure. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who want to stand up.

If you are putting your child in their cot, check whether there is no visible danger. It should be away from heaters and power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you’re purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that can be removed and pose the risk of.

If you’re unsure of how to use your cot safely, ask parents around or go to a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural and white wood, as well as the clever features such as drawers under the bed for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappy and an impressive array of baby clothes. It’s also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

The rails for teething are among our top features. They keep your child from hitting their head on the crib’s side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also prevent children from chewing on the wood and preventing them from suffocating. It also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your infant. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and that it’s strong enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which you’ll find in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a new bed at an age when they’re ready for the transition. However, they may be pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best choice for you since it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your child is likely to spend most of the time in their parents’ rooms or you want a longer-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.

If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other important elements in baby mattresses for cots) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too close together to ensure that your baby won’t get tossed out.

Stores

No matter if you’re a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is why it’s essential to think about the storage options when you choose the cot bed. Many cots come with additional storage options such as under-bed drawers or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to extend their usage.

Some cots can be transformed into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who like an edgier design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of a single side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed.

Some cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dolls along with other small objects. This makes everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is an additional important feature that’s included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots have more traditional designs and come with a large storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great option if you’re in a tight space, you should be aware that you’ll require a separate extra for the drawer. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that’s great to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to put together for our panel. It’s suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it’s good value too.