How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

Our top pick is this basic but stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and make sure the mattress fits snugly to avoid any gaps, which could create an suffocation threat. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best baby cots one for your child.

Whether you opt for a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. The slats should also be secured and not sliding. The slats should also be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not get caught when they move in their sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with ornate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful when they wake up.

There are a lot of cots that have drawers underneath to store items and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the side of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also buy an extra drop-side for babies that are small or suffer from health issues that make it hard to bend over.

Look for a cot which is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and is easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. This information is available in the description of the product and key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big consideration when choosing a cot. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in different materials, from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position.

A drop side should only be allowed to drop only when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot beds for sale against walls if it has a solid end. This can limit airflow, which could cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends are safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it's safer when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to move into the junior bed.

Some cots have an option where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will increase with your child's growth - this is very practical and a great safety measure. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure that there is no visible danger - it must be away from heat sources and windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, be sure to look for any potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.

If you're not sure how to use your cot safely consult other parents or visit the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you go through it before using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, and Cot Beds its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers that can hold all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and a dazzling array 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 bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).

The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They prevent your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing on the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. It also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your infant. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than recommended cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready to transition. They are more expensive 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. However, if your baby is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' room or you want a longer-lasting bed, consider a cot.

If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of baby cot mattresses), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling out.

Storage

Whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, including drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their usage.

Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is fairly simple and involves the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of an additional bed.

A variety of cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to store muslins Dummies, and cot beds other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This can prevent your little one chewing on the wood, which could cause them irritation. Some cots have an older style and include a large storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea for when you're running out of space, it's important to be aware that you'll have to purchase an additional 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-style cot bed a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep all baby necessities out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's also a good value.