How to Choose the best crib Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose a cot that will be secure and safe for your little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

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

Comfort

The best Cot bed cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could pose an suffocation threat. There are many types of mattresses available, including foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your comfort. It should provide proper support and promote an ideal posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be firmly attached and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be securely fixed 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 buy, consult friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Make sure you choose a mattress that's air-conditioned, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with ornate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is great for those who want their baby to wake up bright and cheerful!

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for babies who are small or have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

For added peace of mind, search for a cot that is compliant with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. This information is found in the description of the product and key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment 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 restrict the child's arms or head). Make sure it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended cribs since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice 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, ensure that it is secured and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to fall when an adult is present - to prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This can limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer because they allow more airflow.

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

Some cots feature a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels to allow it to expand with your child which is extremely useful and is a safety measure. Some cots have adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their bed.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure that there isn't any visible danger - it should be away from heaters and power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these are a strangulation hazard). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and create a risk.

If you are unsure about how to use your cot, consult other parents for help or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow all the instructions.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the combination of white and natural wood as well as the clever features like drawers under the bed for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

The rails for teething are among our top features. They keep your baby from hitting their head against the crib's side or any other protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from suffocating. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your newborn. We are thrilled that it can be converted to an infant bed, and that it is sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy a new crib when your child is ready to move up. However, they may be more expensive upfront than a standard crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best cots choice for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space. However, if your child is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom or you want a longer-lasting bed, consider a cot.

A crib isn't safe 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 covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't get tossed out.

Stores

The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. This is why it's essential to think about the storage options when you choose the cot bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a top changer (available separately). Certain best cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single beds to expand their use.

Some cot beds can be converted into a daybed, as seen here 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 one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.

A variety of cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy and neat and also looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another feature worth looking out for is a teething rail that is available with cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which can cause irritation. Some cots have an older style and come with a large storage drawer under the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes blankets, baby essentials.

This is a great choice for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding since oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view but within easy reach. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's a good investment too.