How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It is also simple to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The most comfortable cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to avoid any gaps that could cause the danger of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the best one for your child.

No matter if you select a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The slats must be securely attached and not sagging. The slats need to be securely fixed 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 purchase, talk to friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they aid in regulating your body temperature, and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are many styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors which is perfect if you want your baby to wake up feeling fresh and content!

The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even purchase drop sides for small babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler's bed when it's time. Look for this information in the product description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big aspect to consider when choosing a bed. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can hold the child's arms and head). Make sure it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't advised since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the up position.

Drop sides should only be permitted down when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has a solid end. This will limit airflow, which could lead to coffin death. According to the latest research, cots to tots with slatted ends could be safer as they allow for greater airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the most secure option for your child when they begin to crawl and pull themselves upward. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots have an option where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to grow with your child This is extremely practical and a great security measure. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who love to stand up.

When you put your child in their cot, make sure whether there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources or windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to look out for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and pose a danger.

If you're unsure of about how to use your cot, consult other parents for help or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you read it before using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

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

The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They keep your child from hitting their head against the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We are thrilled that it can be converted into an infant bed, and it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready to transition. They are more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best option for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend most of the 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 the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of Baby Cot (read the article) mattresses. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't get tossed out.

Stores

Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. It is important to think about storage when choosing a cheap cot beds-bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler bed or a single bed, which can extend 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 crib choice for those who prefer more flexible designs as the process of conversion is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dolls and other small things. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy and neat - and it also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their baby.

A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some affordable cots come with an older style and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes blankets, baby essentials.

This is a great solution for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

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