How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

This slick and elegant crib is our top rated cots choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot bed (https://mcgarry-corcoran-2.hubstack.net/) cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps which could pose the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available: coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot for sale one, a comfortable mattress is essential to the comfort. It should provide proper support and encourage an upright posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move in their sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours which is great for those who want their baby to wake up feeling bright and happy!

You'll find most cots have an under-bed drawer for storage as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who are small or have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A secure sleeping space is an essential factor when selecting a bed. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is firm tots and cots thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in various materials from foam to natural materials that are good for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop sides, make sure it is in the up position and locked securely.

Drop sides should only be permitted down only when an adult is present in the room. This prevents accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge do not place it against the wall as it will block airflow and could cause the death of a coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer because they permit more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the most secure option for your baby as they start to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to grow with your child - this is very useful and is a security measure. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.

When putting your child's cot in the crib, make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be put away from any heaters or power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you're buying furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom Be sure to check for potential dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and create a risk.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner consult other parents or attend the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with instructions, read them carefully before you start using it, and then follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of white and natural wood and the clever features such as drawers under the bed for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies, and an impressive array of baby clothes. It is also easy to build, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).

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 other protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being in danger of being suffocated. There's also a drop-side for easier access to your baby. We love that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and it's built to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy a new bed when your child is ready to move up. However, they can be more expensive than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, you may be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your bedroom, or if you need a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a crib.

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't fall off.

Stores

Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. It is important to think about storage when you choose a cot. Some cots come with additional storage options, including drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, increasing their usability for longer.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.

Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and dummies and other small items. This helps keep everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another feature worth looking out for is a teething rail that is available in a few cots. This can keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which can cause irritation. Some cots feature an older style and have a huge storage drawer under the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, baby essentials.

While this is a great idea for when you're in a tight space, you should remember that you will need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby's essentials out of view but within easy reach. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's also a good value.