How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child it is essential to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your little one. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.
Our top ranked cribs pick is this simple yet stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could pose a risk of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.
Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is essential to comfort. It should provide proper support and encourage a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats. They should be firmly attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement in their sleep.
If you're not sure what mattress to purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they help regulate your body temperature and less likely to harbor bacteria.
There are a variety of styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors which is great when you want your child to wake up bright and content!
The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for babies who are small or have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
Look for a cot which meets the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. Find this information in the product description or in the key specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot, the safety of your child's sleep is a must. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with 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 since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the up position.
Drop sides should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has an end that is solid. This can hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends could be safer as they allow for more airflow.
If your cot is set on one side, choose it. It's the safest option for your child when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a great security feature that allows the cot of your child to grow with their needs. Some cots come with footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.
When putting your child's cot in the crib, make sure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be placed away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and create a risk.
If you are unsure about how to use your cot, consult other parents for advice or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to go through it before using it and follow the instructions.
Style
With its stunning sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions tots and cots separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler bed or desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).
One of our most loved features are the teething rails which protect your little one from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot like the handle or corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being suffocated. It also features a drop-side to make it easier for you to get access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the specifications that are listed under each product.
sale cot beds can be converted into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing an entirely new bed when your child is ready to move up. They can be more expensive than a crib.
If your nursery is small, you might think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom or you need a bed that will last longer, you should opt for a crib.
If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials, and other essential elements in baby cot mattresses) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won't get tossed out.
Storage
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It's crucial to think about storage when selecting a cot. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single beds to expand their use.
Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.
A variety of cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy and neat - and it also looks fantastic. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their baby.
A teething rail is a desired feature that is found in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the Mini Cot Bed's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer under the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby essentials.
This is a great choice when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer on your own. You may have to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best cot bed and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby's essentials out of view but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's also a good value.