How to Choose the best cot newborn Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting your first child, it is important to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your cheap baby cots. Choose a cot that has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

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

Comfort

The best cots for newborns cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps that could create the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available: coils springs, foam and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.

No matter if you select a standard or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The slats need to be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, so that your child does not become caught in the movement during sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they will help you regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is great for those who want their baby to wake up feeling bright and content!

There are a lot of cots that have an under-bed drawer for storage as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on 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 suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

Find a cot that meets the strict UK safety standard and can easily be converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information can be found in the product description as well as the key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big aspect to consider when choosing a cot. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Make sure it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended, since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the up position.

A drop side should only be allowed to drop only if an adult is present - to prevent accidental release. If your cot has a solid end do not place it against the wall since it can block airflow and can cause coffin death. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots may be safer because they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It's the most secure option for your baby when they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is climbing with confidence 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 grow with your child This is extremely practical and a great safety measure. Some affordable cots have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their beds.

When putting your child's cot in the crib be sure that there are no visible hazards. It should be placed away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. All of these could create strangulation risks. If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece Be sure to check for potential dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that can be removed and pose danger.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely you can ask other parents or attend the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual, make sure you go through it before using it and follow all the instructions.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its clever features, such as drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like bedding, nappies and an enviable variety of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler's desk and bed when your child gets older (see product description for more details).

One of our favourite features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any protruding part of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming trapped. It also features an opening that can be removed to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and it's built to last for up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed until they're ready to transition. They can be more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best choice for you since it is smaller and takes up less space, but should your baby be expected to spend much of their time in their parents' room or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, opt for a cot.

A cot sets isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too wide apart to prevent your child from falling out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of items the baby will require is immense. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler or small single bed, which can extend their use for a longer time.

Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of ONE side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.

A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks beautiful. The ease of access to these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their infant.

A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with a more traditional design and come with a large storage drawer under the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby necessities.

This is a great option for those who have limited space but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may have to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

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 ideal to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but still within reach. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's also a good value.