How to Choose the best rated cribs Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it is essential to select the right cot that is secure and safe for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could pose a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are many mattresses available including coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

Whether you opt for a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be securely connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Make sure you choose a mattress that's breathable, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful when they awake.

You'll find most cots have a drawer underneath for storage, teething rails to protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can even purchase drop sides for small babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. Look for this information in the description or key specs.

Safety

When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and locked securely.

Drop sides should only be permitted down when an adult is present in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has a solid end. This will hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side, opt for this as it is the most secure option when your baby starts to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots have an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a great safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with the child. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who like to stand up.

If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure that there is no visible danger - it must be away from heat sources, power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and cause danger.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask other parents or attend the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow the directions.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to construct, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk or bed as your child gets older (see the product description for more information).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails which protect your little one from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any protruding part of the cot like the handle or corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being trapped. There's also drop-sides to make it easier for parents to reach their newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last for four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready to move on. However, they are more expensive upfront than the standard crib.

If your nursery is small, you might think about a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room or if you require a bed that lasts longer, you should consider a crib.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby cots online. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't fall out.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of things a baby needs is staggering. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. Many cots come with additional storage options such as under-bed drawers or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small single bed, which can extend their use for a longer time.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer an edgier design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of a single side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of a separate bed.

Some cheap cot beds beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dummies and other small cot beds objects. This allows you to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy and also looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another desirable feature to look for is a toothing rail that comes in a few cots. This can help to prevent your little one chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots have a more traditional design and include a large storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.

This is a great option for those who have limited space but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding since sheets and mattresses that are oval are not typically included with the cot itself.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.