How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that's safe and secure for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but stylish coffin from John Lewis’ Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best Cot bed cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a soft and airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps which could pose an suffocation threat. There are a variety of mattresses available that include coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research before deciding on the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.

It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible cot the mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It must provide the right support and promote an ideal posture. The slats should also be secured and not sagging. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not get caught when they move during sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to buy, consult your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Look for ones that are breathable, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

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

There are a lot of cots that have a drawer underneath for storage, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can even purchase a drop side for petite babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

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

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is a must and a major consideration when choosing a bed. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Check that it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.

Drop sides should only be permitted down only when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This can limit airflow, which could cause death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your baby when they start to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to transition into a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a wonderful security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with them. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who want to stand up.

When placing your child's cot be sure that there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be placed away from power and heater points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any choking hazards like stickers and transfers that may peel off and present danger.

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

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh-style design will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural wood and white as well as the clever features such as drawers under the bed for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappy and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to build with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for details).

The rails for teething are among our top features. They stop your child from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing the wood and also preventing them from being suffocated. The cot also has drop-sides to make it easier for parents to reach their newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's built to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid buying a new crib when your child's ready to make the leap. They may cost more than a crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best option for you since it is smaller and takes up less space. However, if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents’ rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, you should consider a crib.

If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements in baby mattress cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Storage

If you're a new parent or an experienced one, the amount of stuff a baby needs is staggering. It's crucial to think about storage when you choose a cot. Many cots come with additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to increase their use.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who like an edgier design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of the purchase of a separate bed.

A number of cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organized, neat and tidy - and it also looks great. Being able to access these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their baby.

Another thing to look out for is a teething rail which is included with some cots. This can help to prevent your little one chewing on the wood, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and have a huge drawer under the bed that is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothes, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great option if you're short on space, you should keep in mind that you'll have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh-style cot bed is a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep baby's essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It is suitable for babies as young as birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child's ready.