How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting a baby 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 meet UK safety standards.

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

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Find a comfortable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could cause the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are many types of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the best cot bed one for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible the mattress is vital to your ease of use. It must provide the right support and encourage an upright posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be firmly fixed to the frame, so that your child does not get caught when they move during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will aid in regulating your body temperature and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

There are many styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and happy when they wake up.

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

For added peace of mind, search for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in different materials, from foam to natural materials that are good for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has a drop side, ensure it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be allowed down when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental release. Do not place your cot against the wall if it is an end that is solid. This could limit airflow, which could lead to coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer because they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It's the most secure option for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to move into the junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a fantastic safety measure and enables your child's cot to expand with their needs. Other cots come with footplates that are adjustable, which is great for toddlers who want to sit up in their bed.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, check that there is no visible danger. It must be away from heat sources or windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece Be sure to check for potential choking hazards like stickers and transfers that can be removed and create the risk of.

If you're not sure how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask other parents or attend the local NCT New Baby Cot Bed course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural and white wood and the clever features like under-bed storage drawers for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappy and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed as your child gets older (see product description for more details).

One of our favorite 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. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming in danger of being suffocated. It also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler cribs beds when your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing a new crib when your child is ready to go up. However, they can be more expensive upfront than a standard crib.

If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best choice for you since it is smaller and occupies less space. However, if your baby is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, opt for a crib.

A crib isn't safe 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 covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't fall out.

Storage

The amount of baby stuff you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when selecting a cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed 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 a great choice for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of a separate bed.

Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies along with other small things. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks beautiful. Having easy access to these items will make it much easier for parents when feeding their child.

A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots offers. This can keep your baby from chewing on the wood that could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and include a large under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea for when you're short on space, it's important to keep in mind that you'll have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You may also need to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't typically included in the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.