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. Look for a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

This slick and elegant coffin is our top rated cots pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and an storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could create the danger of being suffocated. There are many mattresses available including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. So do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

Whether you opt for a convertible or standard cot, the primary factor to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. The slats need to be securely attached and not sagging. The slats should also be securely fixed to the frame, so your child isn't caught in them when moving in their sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they awake.

There are a lot of cots that have an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can even purchase a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily transform into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big aspect to consider when choosing a cot. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child's arms or head). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and 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 be allowed to fall when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against a wall if it has a solid end. This could hinder airflow and could lead to coffin death. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they allow more airflow.

If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It's the safest option for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots have 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 also have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their bed.

When placing your child's cot be sure that there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from any heaters or power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. They all could create strangulation risks. If you're purchasing furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom Be sure to check for potential dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that may peel off and present danger.

If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for advice or take part in a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to read it before using it and adhere to the directions.

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, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler bed or desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for details).

One of our favorite features are the teething rails that protect your little one from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot, such as handles or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also drop-sides to allow you to access your newborn. We love that it can be converted to an infant bed, and it's built to last up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which can be found in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing an entirely new bed as your child gets ready to make the leap. They can be more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best Cot bed option for you since it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' room or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.

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

Storage

The amount of baby stuff you need is overwhelming, regardless of whether you're a new mom or a seasoned one. It's important to consider storage when selecting a cot. Many affordable cots come with additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to extend their usage.

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 an edgier design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. This lets parents save money on an additional bed.

Some cot beds come with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies along with other small things. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks beautiful. The ease of access to these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their baby.

A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some Cheap Cots are designed in more traditional designs and come with a large under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothing, and other baby necessities.

This is a great choice if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's also a good value.