How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose the right sale cot that is safe and secure for your child. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot mattress keeps infants comfortable and warm. Choose a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause a suffocation risk. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a mattress of high-quality that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The slats should also be securely attached and not sagging. The slats need to be securely attached to the frame so that your child does not be caught when they move during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations, or read online reviews. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

In terms of style, there's a wide choice from classic sleigh styles with ornate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they awake.

The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can even purchase drop sides for small infants or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

For extra security, opt for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. Look for this information in the description or in the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has an inclined side, make sure it is in the upward position and locked securely.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go to fall when an adult is present in the room. This will prevent accidental release. Do not place your cot against the wall if it is a solid end. This will restrict airflow, which can lead to coffin death. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges are safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side you should choose this because it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a great security measure that allows your child's cot to grow with their needs. Some cots come with footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.

When you put your child in their cot, ensure whether there is no visible danger - it should be away from heaters, baby crib [over here] power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that can be removed and pose a risk.

If you're unsure of how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for help or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to go through it before using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of natural wood and white as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more information).

One of our favorite features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head against the cheap cot bed's side or any protruding part of the cot like handles or a corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming suffocated. There's also a drop-side for easier access to your newborn. We are thrilled that it can be converted into an infant bed, and it is sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid purchasing a new bed when your child's ready to move up. However, they are more expensive than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in the room, or if you need an item that lasts longer, you should choose a cot.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too far apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby gear you need is overwhelming, regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. Some cots have additional storage options, such as drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or small cot beds single beds to expand their use.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer a less rigid design as the process of conversion is simple and requires just the removal of one 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 things. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail that comes with some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots come with a more traditional design and come with a large storage drawer underneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby essentials.

This is a great option when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You may also need to purchase a different mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval are not typically included with the cot itself.

This sleigh-style cot bed is stunning illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a spacious under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep baby's essentials away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's good value too.