How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

Our top pick is this simple yet elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps that could cause a risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available, including foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your the comfort. It should provide adequate support and promote an upright posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats need to be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not get caught when they move during sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, ask friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will help you regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

When it comes to fashion there's a broad selection from classic sleigh styles with intricate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they awake.

Most cots come with drawers underneath to store items, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the side of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can even purchase a drop side for petite infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

To ensure your security, opt for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. This information is found in the description of the product and the specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping is a must. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot/cot bed sides or best cot beds ends (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of various materials including foam and natural materials that are good for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to fall only when an adult is present, this will prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against the wall if it is a solid end. This can restrict airflow, which can 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 fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the safest option for your baby when they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they're ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots have an option where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to expand with your child - this is very convenient and an added safety measure. Other cots come with footplates that are adjustable, which is great for toddlers who want to sit up in their beds.

When placing your child's cot ensure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be placed away from heaters and power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture, check for hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and create danger.

If you're not sure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow the instructions.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural wood and white and the clever features like drawers under the bed for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It is also easy to build with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more information).

One of our favourite features is the teething rails that protect your baby from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being in danger of being suffocated. It also features drop-sides to make it easier for parents to reach their newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant cot bed bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid purchasing a new bed as your child gets ready to go up. They can be more expensive than recommended cribs.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might be considering 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 if you require a bed that will last longer, you should consider a crib.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats should not be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling off.

Stores

Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of things the baby will require is immense. It is important to think about storage when you choose a cot. Certain cots offer additional storage options, including drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their use for a longer time.

Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is fairly easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

Some cot beds come with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies and other small objects. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks beautiful. The ease of access to these items will make it easier for parents to feed their baby.

Another feature worth looking out for is a teething rail which is included in a few cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and include a large under-bed storage drawer that is ideal for storing blankets, toys clothes, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea for when you're in a tight space, you should keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding, as oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best crib for newborn and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for infants as young as birth and can be converted into a toddler's crib when your child is ready.