How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a child it is essential to choose a cot that can provide security and safety for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot bed cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could create the risk of being suffocated. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the best one for your child.

No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible the mattress is essential to comfort. It should provide proper support and encourage a healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which should be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must be secured to the frame, so your child isn't caught in them when moving in their sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to buy, consult your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Choose a mattress that is ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

In terms of style, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with ornate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they wake up.

There are a lot of cots that have drawers underneath to store items as well as teething rails that protect your child from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who aren't tall enough or have medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.

Find a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. Find this information in the product description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A secure sleeping space is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a bed. 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 or cot-bed (large gaps can hold the child's arms and head). Check that it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended since they 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 have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.

A drop side should be allowed to go down only when an adult is present - this prevents accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall since it will block airflow and may contribute to death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges are safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to grow with your child This is extremely practical and a great security measure. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.

When you place your child's cot be sure that there are no visible hazards. It should be placed away from heaters and power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.

If you're unsure of about how to use your cot, consult other parents for advice or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has an instruction manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of white and natural wood as well as the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies and a wide selection of cheap baby cots for sale clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk or bed when 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 on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from being suffocated. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also meets the strict 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 allows you to avoid buying a new crib as your child gets ready to go up. However, they may be pricier upfront than a standard crib.

If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best option for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' bedroom or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, opt for a cot.

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 the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of Baby Crib cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Storage

Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran, the amount of stuff that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is why it's essential to consider storage options when choosing the cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, like drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler bed or a single bed, increasing their use for a longer time.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as seen 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 one side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of an additional bed.

Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies and other small things. This makes everything tidy, best cot newborn neat and organized. It also looks beautiful. Being able to access these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their infant.

A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothes, and other baby necessities.

This is a great choice if space is an issue however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may have to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants as young as birth, and can be made into a toddler's crib when your child is ready.