How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting a child it is crucial to select a cot which will ensure safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

This simple but stylish cot is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The most comfortable cot beds keep children warm and cozy. 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 being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam, 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 choose a conventional cot or a convertible cot the mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage an ideal posture. The slats must be securely attached and not sagging. The slats must be securely attached to the frame, so that your child isn't stuck in them while they move in their sleep.


If you're not sure what mattress to buy, ask friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and happy when they awake.

Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who aren't big or suffer from health issues that make it hard to bend over.

Find a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and is easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. Look for this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is a must and a major factor when selecting a crib. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot has an inclined side, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should be allowed to drop only if an adult is present, this prevents accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge do not place it against the wall because this will restrict airflow and may contribute to coffin death. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer as they permit more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it's safer when your child starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. If Full Statement is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots feature an option where the base can be raised to three different levels to allow it to expand with your child which is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who like to stand up.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure that there isn't any obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters, power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that can peel off and present a risk.

If you are unsure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has an instruction manual, read it carefully before using it, and follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its smart features, including drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding, and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more information).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They keep your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing the wood, and prevent them from getting suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and it's built to last up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be converted 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 to move on. However, they can be more expensive than a standard crib.

If your nursery is small, you may think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in the room or you need an item that lasts longer, you should choose a crib.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards 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 should not be too close together to ensure that your baby won't get tossed out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one, the amount of stuff a baby needs is staggering. This is why it's crucial to consider storage options when selecting the right crib bed. Many cots come with additional storage solutions available such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their usability for longer.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who prefer 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 an additional bed.

A number of cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This makes everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.

Another feature worth looking 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 have a more traditional design and include a large storage drawer under the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby necessities.

This is a great choice for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding since sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't typically included in the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed is a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby's essentials away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's also a good value.