How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby it is essential to select the right cot that is secure and safe for your child. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.
This minimalist, elegant crib is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cots for newborns cot bed will keep infants comfortable and warm. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress fits snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the best one for your child.
If you choose a convertible or standard cot, the primary factor to comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes a healthy posture. The slats should also be secured and not sliding. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame so that your child doesn't get caught in them when moving during sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose a mattress that is ventilated, as they'll aid in to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
When it comes to fashion there's a variety of styles from classic sleigh styles with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they awake.
You'll find most cots have a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the side of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for babies who aren't tall enough or suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
Choose a cot that meets the strict UK safety standard and is easily converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. Look for this information in the description or key specs.
Safety
When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep is a must. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot's bed sides or ends (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised 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 even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot sale has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the up position.
A drop side should only be allowed to fall only if an adult is present; this prevents accidental release. Do not place your cot against a wall if it has an end that is solid. This could limit airflow, which could lead to coffin death. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges are safer since they allow for more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge you should choose this because it's safer when your baby starts to crawl and climb up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots feature a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels to allow it to increase with your child's growth which is extremely convenient and an added safety measure. Other cots come with adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to stand up in their bed.
When putting your child's cot in the crib be sure that there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be placed away from any heaters or power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could present a strangulation threat. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, be sure to look for any potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and create a risk.
If you're not sure how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot has an instruction manual, read it carefully before using it, and follow the safety guidelines closely.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including bedding, nappies and a dazzling assortment of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed when your child gets older (see product description for more details).
The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They keep your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop children from chewing on the wood and preventing them from suffocating. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We love that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which are listed in the key specs beneath each product.
Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed at an age when they're ready for the transition. They are more expensive than cribs.
If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best infant cribs option for you since it is smaller and occupies less space, but should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a cot.
A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure that your baby won't get tossed out.
Stores
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. This is why it's crucial to think about storage options when choosing the crib bed. A number of cots have additional storage options, such as under-bed drawers or a top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to increase their usage.
Some cot sale beds can be transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the process of conversion is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed purchase.
A number of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organised, neat and tidy - and it also looks amazing. Having easy access to these items makes it easier for parents to feed their baby.
Another feature worth looking out for is a teething rail that is available with some cots. This will help keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which can cause irritation. Some cots come with more traditional designs and have a huge storage drawer under the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby essentials.
While this is a great idea for when you're running out of space, you must remember that you will need to buy a separate extra drawer. You may also need to purchase a different mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot itself.
This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be made into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.