Buy New, Buy Safe
By buying a new Cot Bed that has come from a trusted brand such as Boori, you will have peace of mind that your chosen cot bed conforms to the current safety requirements.
All cots that are currently sold in the UK should conform to European Safety Standard EN 716-1-2:2017 which, among other important checks, sets the guidelines for both the cot bed’s size and the gap between the bars, ensuring a safe sleeping environment for your little one.
Second-hand cot beds may not conform to these strict guidelines, and may also feature paint finishes which could be harmful to your little one. All of Boori’s cot beds are finished with low Volatile Organic Compounds (“VOC”) paint finishes, which reduces harmful air pollutants in your home.
Guidelines for Assembling your Cot Bed
It’s important that you follow guidelines when assembling your baby’s cot bed or cot.
You might be a flat-pack furniture whizz thanks to a well-known Swedish flat-pack connoisseur that rhymes with i-dea but assembling your cot bed is not something you want to get wrong.
Always follow the instructions and guidelines set out by the manufacturer, and if you feel a piece is missing, always contact our helpful and knowledgeable customer services team for reassurance.
Cot Bed Position
For the first six months of your baby’s life, you may want to consider placing your cot bed in your bedroom.
You should avoid obvious potential hazards when choosing where to place your cot bed, so avoid positioning your furniture around wall décor, curtains or blind cords, shelves and ledges or power cables.
Keep temperature in mind when choosing the position for your baby’s cot bed or cot. Do not position the cot next to a radiator or window and buy a thermometer so that you can keep an eye on the temperature when your baby is sleeping.
Cot Bed Base Height Settings
Many cot beds have adjustable base heights so that, as babies grow, they are not able to climb out of their cot.
Your cot bed can begin in the high position so that you’re not straining your back when you reach for your baby, but once they start to sit up, the low position is required so you can ensure their safety.
Safe Bedding for your Cot Bed
- Your baby only requires three items of bedding:
- A firm mattress
- A fitted sheet
- A light blanket for warmth
Safety is the most important consideration when choosing your mattress, so look for a mattress that has been tested to the official BS EN 16890:2017 standard to ensure they offer the right level of safety and optimum support for your little one. As well as being firm and flat, your mattress should be waterproof to keep it clean and dry.
By choosing a mattress and cot bed from the same manufacturer, you can be sure there will be no gaps around the edge and that it’s the safest option for your baby.
Your baby’s blanket should be tucked in firmly below your baby’s shoulder and your fitted sheet should fasten tightly around the corner of your mattress to ensure no loose material can harm your baby. You can read more about safe sleeping on the Lullaby Trust website.
A Clutter-Free Nursery Space
We know Instagram is filled with adorable nursery set-ups featuring an array of beautiful toys, cushions and fashionable blankets, but it’s important to note that these are daytime set ups for when your baby is not in the cot bed.
Apart from your baby, its mattress, sheet and blanket, there should be nothing else in the cot bed when your baby is sleeping.
We hope you’re feeling a little more confident about the safety of your cot bed. If you’re looking for more tips on using cot beds - or already have one in your child's bedroom - take a read of our Boori Nest post on How to Move Your Toddler from Cot to Bed.
