How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that's secure and safe for your little one. Find a cot which has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It is also simple to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The Best cot for newborn cot bed will keep children comfortable and warm. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps that could cause a risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available: coils springs, foam, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible, a good mattress is essential to ease of use. It should provide adequate support and promote an ideal posture. The slats should also be secured and not sagging. The slats need to be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, consult your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Make sure you choose a mattress that's air-conditioned, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

In terms of style, there's a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted in bright primary colors, which is ideal if you want your little one to wake up feeling bright and cheerful!

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate baby's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who aren't tall enough or have health issues that make it hard to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. Look for this information in the product description or in the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be a priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child's arms or head). Check that it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended because they can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Some contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot sets has drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the upward position.

A drop side should be allowed to drop only if an adult is present, this prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge be sure to avoid placing it against the wall because this will restrict airflow and may contribute to death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It will be the safest option for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they're ready to transition into a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a wonderful security measure that allows your child's cot to expand with the child. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who like to stand up.

When putting your child's cot in the crib be sure that there aren't any visible 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 create strangulation risks. If you're buying 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 transfer tapes that could peel off and present the risk of.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely, ask parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a manual, make sure you go through it prior to using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything necessary for babies, including bedding, nappies and an enviable array of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see product description for more details).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, like the handle or corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting suffocated. It also features a drop-side to make it easier for you to get access to your baby. We are thrilled that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and it is sturdy enough to last for four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed when they're ready to transition. However, they may be more expensive than a standard crib.

If your nursery is small, you might be considering a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom, or if you need a bed that lasts longer, you should choose a crib.

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 covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of baby cot (pediascape.Science) mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Stores

Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one, the amount of stuff a Baby beds needs is staggering. This is why it's essential to consider storage options when choosing the crib bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating 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 here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of a single side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dolls along with other small objects. This helps to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy and looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for parents to feed their child.

Another desirable feature to look for is a teething rail that is available with cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer which is perfect to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby necessities.

This is a great choice for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. It is also possible to buy a new mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets aren't typically included in the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's good value too.