How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose the right cot that is safe and secure for your child. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

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

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a soft and airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could cause a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child.

No matter if you select an ordinary or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The slats must be securely attached and not sliding. The slats need to be securely connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not be caught when they move during sleep.

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

In terms of style there's a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours, which is ideal if you want your little one to wake up bright and content!

You'll find most cots have a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot and 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 to bend over.

For added peace of mind, search for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and can easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big factor when selecting a crib. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gaps between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended, as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.

Drop sides should only be allowed to fall when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall because this will restrict airflow and can cause coffin death. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges are safer since they permit more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side choose this option as it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights in order to grow with your child which is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted, which are great for toddlers who want to sit up in their bed.

If you are putting your child in their Mini Cot Bed, make sure whether there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources, power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture, check for hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that can be removed and pose danger.

If you're not sure how to use your cot safely you can ask parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This stunning crib will look stunning in your nursery cots. Our panel members loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding, and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your child gets older (see the product's description for more details).

One of our most loved features is the teething rails, which shield your little one from smacking their head against the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot, like a handle or a corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from getting trapped. It also features a drop-side to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's built to last for four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which are listed in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed when they're ready to move on. They are more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However should you be planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in your room, or if you need a bed that will last longer, you should consider a crib.

A cot isn't suitable 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 deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too close together to ensure your baby doesn't fall off.

Storage

Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of items the baby will require is immense. This is why it's crucial to think about the storage options when you choose the right crib bed. A number of cots have additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or small single beds to expand their use.

Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is fairly easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.

Some cot beds come with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, dummies, as well as other small objects. This helps to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy and also looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items will make it easier for parents to feed their infant.

A teething rail is a desired feature that is found in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with an older style and include a large under-bed storage drawer which is ideal to store blankets, toys, clothes and other Cheap Baby Cots, Instr.Photoniction.Com, necessities.

While this is a great idea for when you're in a tight space, you must be aware that you'll require a separate extra for the drawer. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of the Scandi-style at its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.