How to Choose the best cot beds; Recommended Browsing, for Your Baby

When you are expecting a baby, it is important to select a cot which will ensure safety and security for your baby cots online. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft and comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress fits snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the best cot bed one for your child.

Whether you opt for a standard or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The slats need to be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats must also be secured to the frame, so that your little one doesn't get caught in them when moving in their sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations, or read online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help regulate your body temperature and less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are many styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and happy when they wake up.

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

Find a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can hold the child's arms and head). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in various materials including foam and natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall when an adult is present, this prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge, avoid placing it against the wall as it will block airflow and may contribute to death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots could be safer as they allow for greater airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge you should choose this because it's safer when your baby starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to move into the junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a wonderful security feature that allows your child's cot to grow with them. Some cots and tots have footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to stand up in their bed.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure whether there is no obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters and power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to check for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.

If you're not sure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual, make sure you read it before using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding, and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It is also easy to build 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 the product description for more information).

The teething rails are among our most loved features. They keep your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood and preventing them from being suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow you to get access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to a toddler bed, and it's built to last for up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which are listed in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a bed when they're ready for the transition. They are more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your room, or if you need an item that lasts longer, you should opt for a cot.

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers mattress thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby cot mattresses), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too far apart, to ensure that your cheap baby cots for sale won't fall out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when choosing a cot bed. A number of cots have additional storage options, such as under-bed drawers or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler or small single bed, increasing their use for a longer time.

Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the process of conversion is simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dummies and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy and neat - and it also looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their child.

Another desirable feature to look for is a teething rail that is available with cots. This can stop your child from chewing on the wood that could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and include a large drawer under the bed that is perfect to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby essentials.

This is a great option when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately since oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

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 to keep baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's a good investment too.