How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a child, it is important 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 be in line with UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails, and 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 fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could pose the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible cot the mattress is vital to your the comfort. It should provide proper support and encourage an ideal posture. The same applies to the slats, which should be firmly attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be secured to the frame so that your little one doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

There are many styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is perfect if you want your baby to wake up feeling bright and happy!

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate your child's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who aren't big or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. Look for this information in the product description or in the specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major factor when selecting a crib. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot's cribs beds edges or sides (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of various materials from foam to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position.

Drop sides should only be permitted down when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall as this will restrict airflow and can cause coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer as they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is set on one side, choose it. It will be the safest option for your baby when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they're ready to move into the junior bed.

Some cots 4 tots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with them. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who want to stand up.

When placing your child's cot, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be kept away from heaters and power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all pose a strangulation risk. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, make sure to look for any potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They may peel off and cause danger.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner consult parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of white and natural pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers that can hold all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk and bed as your child gets older (see product description for more details).

One of our favourite features are the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot like the handle or corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting trapped. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into an infant bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This lets you not have to buy a new bed as your child gets ready to go up. However, they can be pricier upfront than a standard crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best choice for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space, but should your baby be expected to spend much of their time in their parents' room or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, consider a cot.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't get tossed out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one, the amount of stuff a baby needs is staggering. It's crucial to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, including drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into toddler beds or a smaller single beds to expand their use.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin cot beds for sale. This is a great choice for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is fairly simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and dolls, as well as other small things. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy and also looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another thing to look out for is a teething rail that is available with some cots. This can keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which could cause irritation. Some cots offers feature an older style and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you must be aware that you'll have to purchase an additional drawer. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's perfect for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together, due to the 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.