How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose a cot that will be safe and secure for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this basic but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and an storage drawer. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could cause a risk of being suffocated. 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.
No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible cot the mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It should provide proper support and encourage an upright posture. The slats must be secured and not sliding. The slats should also 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 what mattress to purchase, talk to your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Choose breathable mattresses, as they can help regulate your body temperature and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
In terms of style there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their child to wake up feeling fresh and happy!
You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items, 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 also purchase drop sides for small infants or those with 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 is able to be easily converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information can be found in the product description as well as the specifications.
Safety
A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major aspect to consider when choosing a bed. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib sets has an inclined side, make sure it is in the upward position and locked securely.
A drop side should only be allowed to drop only when an adult is present - to prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against a wall if it has a solid end. This could restrict airflow, which can lead to coffin death. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they allow for more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed side choose this option as it is the most secure option when your child begins to crawl and climb up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign they're ready to move into a junior bed.
Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a great security measure that allows your child's cot to expand with the child. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.
When putting your child's cot in the crib, make sure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could pose a strangulation risk. If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture, check for choking hazards like stickers and transfers that may peel off and present danger.
If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for help or take part in a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it before using it and follow all the directions.
Style
This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of white and natural wood as well as the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappy and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more information).
The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They keep your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing the wood, and prevent them from getting suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your cheap baby cots. We are thrilled that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and it's built to last for 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 when your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed until they're ready to transition. They may cost more than cribs.
If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best choice for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space. However, if your child is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom 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 does not meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to stop your child from falling out.
Stores
If you're a new parent or a seasoned one the amount of items a baby needs is staggering. It's crucial to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. Many cots come with additional storage options such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to extend their usage.
Some cots can be converted into day beds, as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to save money on an additional bed.
Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dolls and other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.
A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and come with a large drawer under the bed that is perfect to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea for when you're running out of space, it's important to be aware that you'll require a separate extra for the drawer. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot itself.
This sleigh-style cot bed stunning example of Scandi style at its best cot bed. It features a huge under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep all baby necessities out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's a good investment too.