How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting your first child it is essential to choose a cot that can provide security and safety for your baby. 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 stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It is also simple to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot bed keeps children comfortable and warm. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to avoid any gaps that could pose a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are many types of mattresses available: coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child.

No matter if you select a standard or convertible cot, Baby Cot the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which must be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats need to be firmly connected to the frame so that your child does not be caught when they move in their sleep.

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

When it comes to fashion, there's a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours, which is ideal when you want your little one to wake up bright and cheerful!

Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the side of the cot and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can even buy a drop side for petite infants or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, Baby Cot look for a cot that is compliant with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the product description or in the specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major consideration when choosing a bed. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of a variety of materials including foam and natural materials that are good for those suffering from allergies. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be permitted to fall when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall because this will restrict airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends are safer since they permit more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It's the most secure choice for your baby as they start to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables the cot sale of your child to grow with them. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who want to stand up.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure that there is no obvious danger - it should be away from heaters and power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose a risk.

If you're not sure how to use your cot safely consult other parents or attend a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you read it before using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of white and natural pine, and its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child gets older (see the product description for more information).

One of our favourite features are the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head on the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot, such as the handle or corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being trapped. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your infant. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last 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 can be turned into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy a new crib as your child gets ready to make the leap. They may cost more than a crib.

If your nursery is small, you may be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However should you be planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in your room or you need a bed that lasts longer, you should consider a cot.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one, the amount of stuff the baby will require is immense. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. Some cots have additional storage options, such as drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single beds to expand their use.

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

A few cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another feature worth looking for is a toothing rail which is included with some cots offers. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which can cause irritation. Some cots feature more traditional designs and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby necessities.

While this is a great option if you're running out of space, you must be aware that you'll require a separate extra for the drawer. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot itself.

This sleigh cot sale bed from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style in its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's also a good value.