How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that's safe and secure for your little one. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot newborn cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could pose a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are many types of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.

It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible, a good mattress is vital to your comfort. It should provide proper support and promote an ideal posture. The slats need to be secured and not sliding. The slats should also be securely fixed to the frame, so that your child isn't stuck in them while they move during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.

There are many styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with ornate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they wake up.

most recommended cribs cots come with a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and Cot beds height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also purchase a drop side for smaller babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Find a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information is available in the product description as well as the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot an environment that is safe for sleeping should be the top priority. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Check that it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your mattress has drop sides, make sure it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should be allowed to drop only if an adult is present - to prevent accidental releases. Do not place your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This will limit airflow, which could cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots could be safer as they allow for greater airflow.

If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It's the safest option for your baby when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they're ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a fantastic safety measure and enables your child's cot to expand with them. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who like to stand up.

When you put your child in their cot, make sure whether there is no obvious danger - it should be away from heaters or windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look for any choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and cause danger.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask other parents or visit an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and an enviable variety of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler bed or desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).

One of our favorite features is the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot like handles or a corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming in danger of being suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed when they're ready to move on. However, they may be pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, you might be considering a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room, or if you need a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a cot.

A cot isn't suitable 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 deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure that your child doesn't get tossed out.

Storage

The amount of baby stuff you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when choosing the cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, including drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed into a toddler or small single bed, increasing their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.

A number of cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This helps keep everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks great. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their infant cot bed.

Another thing to look for is a toothing rail which is included in a few cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and come with a large under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothing, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you should remember that you will have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's also a good value.