How to Choose the best cot bed Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a child, it is important to choose a cot that will provide safety and security for your baby. Find a cot which has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot mattress keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Find a comfortable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could cause a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.

It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is vital to your comfort. It should provide proper support and encourage an upright posture. This is also true for the slats, which should be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move in their sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to purchase, talk to friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can aid in regulating your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.

There are many styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel joyful and cheerful when they awake.

Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cheap cot beds, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate the growth of your baby cots on sale (such a good point). You can even purchase drop sides for small infants or those with medical conditions 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's time. This information is found in the product description as well as the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be a priority. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Check that it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in a variety of materials including foam and natural materials that are suitable for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has an inclined side, make sure it is in the upward position and locked securely.

A drop side should be allowed to fall when an adult is present; to prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on the wall if it is a solid end. This can hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they allow for more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side, opt for this as it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a great security feature that allows the cot of your child to grow with them. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to stand up in their bed.

When putting your child's cot in the crib be sure that there aren't any visible dangers. It should be kept away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could present a strangulation threat. If you're purchasing furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that can be removed and create a risk.

If you're not sure how to use your cot safely you can ask other parents or visit a local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you start using it, and be sure to follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, and its smart features, including drawers under the bed to store everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and a stunning array of baby outfits. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for details).

The teething rails are among our top features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any other protruding part 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 an opening that can be removed to allow parents to reach their newborn. We love that the cot for sale can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid buying a new crib when your child is ready to go up. They may cost more than a crib.

If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best choice for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space, but should your baby be expected to spend most of the time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a cot.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats should not be too far apart, to ensure that your child doesn't fall off.

Storage

If you're a new parent or a veteran, the amount of stuff the baby will require is immense. This is why it's essential to consider the storage options when you choose the right cot bed. Some cots have additional storage options, like drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler bed or a single bed, extending their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is fairly simple and involves the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of a separate bed.

Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dummies and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organised, neat and tidy - and it also looks amazing. The ease of access to these items makes it easier for parents to feed their baby.

Another feature worth looking for is a toothing rail which is included with cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which can cause irritation. Some cots have a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer underneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.

While this is a great idea for when you're running out of space, you should be aware that you'll have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as sheets and mattresses that are oval are not typically included with the cot itself.

This sleigh-style cot is stunning illustration of Scandi style at its best. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby's essentials away from view but easily accessible. Our panel found it very straightforward to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's a good investment too.