How to Choose the best crib Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a baby, it is important to choose a cot that can provide security and safety for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

This simple but stylish crib is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The most comfortable cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could cause the risk of being suffocated. There are many mattresses available on the market that include coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It should provide adequate support and encourage an upright posture. The slats must be secured and not sliding. The slats should also be secured to the frame, so your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they will help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

In terms of style there's a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in vibrant 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 on the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who aren't tall enough or suffer from health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Find a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily be transformed into a toddler's bed when it's time. Find this information in the product description or in the specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot sets-bed (large gaps can hold the child's arms and head). Make sure it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't advised as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot has an inclined side, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to go down only if an adult is present - this prevents accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge, avoid placing it against the wall because it will block airflow and could cause coffin death. According to the latest research, slatted end cots 4 tots are safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It's the most recommended cribs secure option for your child when they start to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a great security measure that allows your child's cot to grow with them. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who want to stand up.

When you put your child in their cot, ensure that there isn't any obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources and power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and pose a risk.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner consult parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot 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 gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the mix of natural wood and white, as well as the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all baby essentials, like bedding, nappy and an impressive array of baby cots on sale clothes. It's also simple to build, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk or bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more information).

The teething rails are among our most loved features. They keep your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any other protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also stop children from chewing on the wood and preventing them from being suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and it's built to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This lets you avoid buying a new bed as your child gets ready to move up. They can be more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom or you need a bed that will last longer, you should opt for a crib.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of items the baby will require is immense. It's crucial to think about storage when selecting a cot. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed into a toddler or small single bed, extending their usability for longer.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to save money on the purchase of a separate bed.

Some cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies along with other small objects. This helps keep everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is a desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and have a huge drawer under the bed that is perfect for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.

This is a great choice for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may need to buy bedding and a mattress separately because oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep all the baby's essentials out of view 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 infants as young as birth, and can be made into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.