How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting your first child it is essential to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

This slick and stylish coffin is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and an storage drawer. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cots cot bed will keep infants comfortable and warm. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could cause a risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible cot the mattress is crucial to ensure your ease of use. It should provide proper support and encourage an ideal posture. The slats should also be securely attached and not sliding. The slats should also be securely fixed to the frame so that your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to purchase, talk to friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Look for ones that are breathable, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

When it comes to style, there's a wide choice from classic sleigh styles with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours which is perfect if you want your little one to wake up feeling fresh and cheerful!

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also purchase drop sides for small infants or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards and can easily be converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information can be found in the product description and the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot an environment that is safe for sleeping is a must. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child's arms or head). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in different materials from foam to natural materials that are suitable for those suffering from allergies. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has an inclined side, make sure it is in the upward position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present, this prevents accidental release. Avoid placing your cot on walls if it has a solid end. This could limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It's the most secure option for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is climbing with confidence 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 to three different levels. This is a fantastic security feature that allows your child's cot to grow with their needs. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who like to stand up.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure that there is no obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters, power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, be sure to look out for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.

If you're unsure of about how to use your cot, ask other parents for help or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh design will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those Baby beds essentials like nappies, bedding, and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It's also easy to build with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for more details).

One of our favorite features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any protruding part of the cot, like the handle or corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being trapped. There's also drop-sides to allow you to get access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into a toddler bed, and it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which you'll find in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a new bed until they're ready to move on. However, they can be pricier upfront than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best option for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space. However, if your baby is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' room or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, consider a cot.

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby cot mattresses), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one, the amount of stuff a baby needs is staggering. It is important to think about storage when you choose a cot. Certain cots offer additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small single beds to expand their usage.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin cot sales. This is a great option for those who like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This lets parents save on the cost of an additional bed.

Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dolls along with other small items. This allows you to keep everything organised, neat and tidy - and it also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is a important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and include a large under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby essentials.

This is a great option if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed is an exquisite example of Scandi style at its best baby cots. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal for keeping all baby essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. 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.