How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

This slick and elegant cot is our top choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could pose a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. The same is true for the slats. They should be securely attached and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be securely connected to the frame so that your child does not be caught when they move during sleep.

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

There are a variety of styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and happy when they wake up.

There are a lot of cots that have a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase drop sides for small infants or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Look for a cot which is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information can be found in the description of the product and key specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot's bed sides or ends (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Make sure it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't advised as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety 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, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall only when an adult is present; this prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge, avoid placing it against the wall since this will restrict airflow and can cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots are safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It's the safest option for your child when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign they're ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots feature an option where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will grow with your child which is extremely practical and a great security measure. Other cots come with adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their bed.

When placing your child's cot, make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be put away from power and heater 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 to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.

If you are unsure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or go to an local NCT New Baby beds class. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the mix of white and natural wood, as well as the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to put together with clear instructions and screws for each section. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler bed and desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for details).

The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They keep your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any other protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. It also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your newborn. We are thrilled that it can be converted to an infant bed, and it's built to last up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a new bed at an age when they're ready to move on. They may cost more than cribs.

If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best infant cribs choice for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space, but if your child is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a cot.

A cot isn't safe 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 mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats should not be too far apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Stores

If you're a new parent or an experienced one, the amount of stuff a baby needs is staggering. It's crucial to think about storage when selecting a cot. Some cheap cots come with additional storage options, such as drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small single bed, extending their usability for longer.

Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an unstructured design since the process of conversion is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dummies along with other small things. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items will make it much easier for parents when feeding their infant.

Another desirable feature to look for is a toothing rail which is included with some cots. This can help to stop your child from chewing on the wood that can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer which is perfect to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great option if you're short on space, it's important to remember that you will need to buy a separate additional drawer. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child's ready.