How to Choose the best cots Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a baby, it is important to choose a cot that can provide security and safety for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

This minimalist, stylish coffin is our top pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot bed will keep infants comfortable and warm. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause an suffocation threat. There are a range of mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research before deciding on the best one for your baby's needs.

No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible the mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It must provide the right support and promote an upright posture. The same applies to the slats, which should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats need to be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement during sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose a mattress that is ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted in bright primary colors which is great when you want your little one to wake up bright and happy!

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate your child's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who aren't big or have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. This information is found in the product description as well as the key specifications.

Safety

A secure sleeping space is essential and a big factor when selecting a crib. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to fall only when an adult is present, this will prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge do not place it against the wall because it will block airflow and may contribute to death in the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer because they allow for more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side you should choose this because it is the most secure option when your baby starts to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will grow with your child - this is very practical and a great security measure. Some cots come with footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.

If you are putting your child in their cot, check that there isn't any visible danger - it must be away from heat sources and power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.

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

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding, and a dazzling variety of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk and bed as your child gets older (see the product description for more information).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They stop your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from being suffocated. It also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your infant. We love that it can be converted into an infant bed, and that it is sturdy enough to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy a new bed as your child gets ready to go up. They may cost more than a crib.

If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best choice for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space, but should your baby be expected to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, consider a crib sets.

A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to prevent your child from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby stuff you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. Some cots have additional storage options, like drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their use.

Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.

A few cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy - and it also looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items will make it easier for parents when feeding their infant.

Another thing to look for is a teething rail that is available in a few cots. This can help to prevent your little one chewing on the wood that can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect for storing blankets, toys, clothes and other baby essentials.

This is a great solution for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's good value too.