How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

This minimalist, elegant cot is our top choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds will keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could create the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

Whether you opt for a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The slats must be secured and not sliding. The slats should also be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or browse online reviews. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with ornate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful when they wake up.

Most cots come with an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for infants who aren't big or have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. This information is found in the description of the product and the specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is an essential factor when selecting a cot. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the upward position.

A drop side should only be allowed to drop when an adult is present, this prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall because this will restrict airflow and can cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends may be safer because they allow for more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side you should choose this because it is the most secure option when your child begins to crawl and climb up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to transition into a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights to allow it to grow with your child which is extremely practical and a great security measure. Some cots come with footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure that there is no obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters, power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're purchasing furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that can be removed and create a risk.

If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for advice or take part in a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you go through it before using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the mix of natural and white wood, as well as the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any protruding part of the cot like handles or a corner post, and which can also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being trapped. There's also an opening that can be removed to allow parents to reach their newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed until they're ready to move on. They may cost more than cribs.

If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best choice for you since it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, opt for a cot.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats should not be too far apart to stop your child from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby gear you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. This is why it's crucial to think about the storage options when you choose the right crib bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, including drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant bed or a small single bed to increase their use.

Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. best crib for newborn is a great option for those who like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed.

Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies along with other small items. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is an additional desired feature that is found in some cots. This will help stop your child from chewing on the wood, which can cause irritation. Some cots feature more traditional designs and come with a large storage drawer under the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.


While this is a great option if you're running out of space, it's important to remember that you will need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately, as oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel was able to find it straightforward to put together, thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.