How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting your first child it is essential to select a cot which will ensure safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

Our top rated cots pick is this simple yet elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It is also simple to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could create a risk of being suffocated. There are a range of mattresses on the market - foam, coil springs and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. So do your research and choose the best one for your baby's needs.

No matter if you select a standard or convertible cot, the key to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which must be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to purchase, talk to your family and friends or consult online reviews for suggestions. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful when they awake.

Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate your child's growth. You can even buy a drop side for smaller babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

Choose a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. Look for this information in the product description or key specs.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be a priority. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gaps between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of various materials including foam and natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should be allowed to go down only if an adult is present - this prevents accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall since it can block airflow and can cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they allow more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side choose this option as it is the most secure option when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a wonderful security measure that allows the cot of your child to grow with them. Some cots also have footplates that can be adjusted, which are great for toddlers who want to sit up in their bed.

When you place your child's cot be sure that there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be put away from heaters and power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all present a strangulation threat. If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any choking hazards like stickers and transfers that may be removed and pose the risk of.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask other parents or visit the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your crib comes with a manual, make sure you go through it before using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style This stunning cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the mix of natural wood and white as well as the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to build, with clear instructions and screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed as your child grows older (see product description for more information).

One of our favourite features is the teething rails that protect your baby from bumping their head on the side of the sale cot or any protruding part of the cot, such as the handle or corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant. We are thrilled that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed when they're ready to transition. They may cost more than cribs.

If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best choice for you since it is smaller and occupies less space. However, if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' rooms or you want a longer-lasting bed, opt for a cot.

A cot isn't safe 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 the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling off.

Stores

The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options, such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating cot 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, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great crib option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This lets parents reduce the expense of the purchase of a separate bed.

A number of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This helps keep 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.

A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This can help to stop your child from chewing on the wood, which can cause irritation. Some cots feature a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby essentials.

This is a great option if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately, as oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed is stunning illustration of Scandi style at its best. It has a spacious under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep baby's essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to assemble 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, which means it's good value too.