How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it is essential to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The most comfortable cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could create an suffocation threat. There are a variety of mattresses available including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. So do your research before deciding on the best infant cribs one for your baby's requirements.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your ease of use. It should provide adequate support and encourage a healthy posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame, so that your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, ask your family members or friends or look up 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 a myriad of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel joyful and cheerful as they wake up.

You'll find most cots have an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also buy an extra drop-side for babies that aren't big or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

To ensure your security, opt for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. This information is available in the product description as well as key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be a priority. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Check that it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present; this prevents accidental release. If your cot has a solid end, avoid placing it against the wall because it can block airflow and can cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots are safer since they allow for greater airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge, opt for this as it is the most secure option when your child starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots have an option that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a great security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with the child. 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 ensure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be placed away from any heaters or power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could present a strangulation threat. If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that can be removed and pose the risk of.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask parents around or go to a local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of white and natural wood as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappy and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler's desk and bed as your child gets older (see the product description for more information).

One of our favorite features are the teething rails which protect your baby from bumping their head on the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot, such as a handle or a corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting suffocated. There's also drop-sides to make it easier for you to get access to your baby. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This lets you not have to buy a new crib as your child gets ready to make the leap. However, they may be more expensive upfront than a standard crib.

If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best choice for you as it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a crib.

A cot isn't safe 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 the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of Baby Cot (read more) mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling out.

Stores

If you're a new parent or a veteran the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. A number of cots have additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their use.

Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.

Some cot beds are equipped with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, dolls and other small cot beds objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organised, neat and tidy - and Best Cot bed it also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for parents to feed their child.

Another thing to look for is a teething rail which is included with cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots come with an older style and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.

While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you should remember that you will require a separate extra drawer. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a lovely example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it easy 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.