How to Choose the Best cot for newborn 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 child. Choose a cot that has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will be in line 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, and a storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The most comfortable cot for sale beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft and airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress fits snugly to avoid any gaps, which could pose a suffocation risk. There are many types of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, 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 one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It should provide adequate support and encourage an ideal posture. The slats should also be secured and not sliding. The slats must also be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child does not become caught in the movement during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they will aid in regulating your body temperature, and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

In terms of style, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted in vibrant primary colours which is perfect for those who want their little one to wake up feeling bright and content!

Most cheap cots come with an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the side of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can even purchase drop sides for small babies or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

To ensure your security, opt for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the product description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is an essential consideration when choosing a bed. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in various materials, from foam to natural materials that are suitable for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go to fall when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has an end that is solid. This could hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they permit more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side, opt for this as it is the most secure option when your child begins to crawl and climb up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a great safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with their needs. Some cots have adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to stand up in their bed.

When you place your child's cot ensure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. They all could create strangulation risks. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look out for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and create a risk.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask parents around or go to a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like bedding, nappies and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also easy to construct, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed and desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for details).

One of our favourite features is the teething rails, which shield your little one from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot, such as the handle or corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming trapped. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last for up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the main specifications below 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 purchasing a bed when they're ready for the transition. They may cost more than cribs beds.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best cot newborn option for you since it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your child is likely to spend much of their 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 covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won't fall off.

Stores

The amount of baby stuff you'll need is overwhelming whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. This is why it's crucial to consider storage options when choosing the right crib bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into a toddler bed or small single beds to expand their use.

Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a bed purchase.

Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dolls and other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organized, neat and tidy and also looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their infant.

Another desirable feature to look for is a teething rail which is included in a few cots. This will help keep your baby from chewing on the wood that can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with an older style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is ideal to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, you must keep in mind that you'll require a separate extra for the drawer. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style in its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child's ready.