How to Choose the best cot newborn Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

Our top pick is this simple yet elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

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

No matter if you select a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame so that your child doesn't get stuck in them while they move in their sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to purchase, talk to friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful when they awake.

Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who are small or suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

Find 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. Find this information in the product description or key specs.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big consideration when choosing a bed. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot's bed sides or ends (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Check that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials, from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has drop sides, make sure it is in the upward position and locked securely.

A drop side should only be allowed to drop only if an adult is present, this prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on the wall if it is a solid end. This can hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer because they allow more airflow.

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

Some cots have features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights to allow it to expand with your child which is extremely practical and a great safety measure. Some cots also have footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their beds.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure that there is no visible danger. It must be away from heat sources, windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, make sure to look out for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely, ask other parents or attend an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a guide, make sure you go through it prior to using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of white and natural pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding, and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).

The teething rails are among our most loved features. They keep your baby from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your newborn. We love that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready for the transition. They may cost more than recommended cribs.

If your nursery is small, you may want to consider a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in your room or cot bed you need a bed that will last longer, you should opt for a crib.

If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements in baby mattresses for cots) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too close together, to ensure that your baby won't fall off.

Stores

If you're a new parent or a veteran the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when choosing the crib bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to increase their usage.

Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.

A variety of cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their child.

A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with an older style and have a huge storage drawer underneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes, blankets and other cheap baby cots for sale essentials.

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

This sleigh-style cot bed a beautiful example of Scandi style at its best cots. It features a huge under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep all baby necessities away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's good value too.