How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

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

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps that could cause a risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

If you choose a convertible or standard cot, the most recommended cribs important thing to ensure comfort is a mattress of high-quality that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The slats need to be securely attached and not sliding. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, so that your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.

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

There are a variety of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they awake.

You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase a drop side for petite babies or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and will easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the product description or in the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be a priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Check that it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended, since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go to fall when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge, avoid placing it against the wall as it will block airflow and could cause coffin death. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges could be safer as they allow for greater airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side you should choose this because it is the most secure option when your child starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights in order to increase with your child's growth - this is very practical and a great security measure. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.

When putting your child's cot in the crib ensure there are no visible hazards. It should be placed away from heaters and power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. They all could pose a strangulation risk. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and create a risk.

If you're unsure of what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for advice or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh style will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of white and natural pine, and its smart features, including drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like bedding, nappies and a dazzling assortment of baby clothes. It is also easy to put together, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more information).

One of our favorite features is the teething rails, which shield your little one from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any protruding part of the cot, such as the handle or corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming in danger of being suffocated. The cot also has drop-sides to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into an infant bed, and that it is sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the main specifications beneath each product.

sale cot beds can be converted into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid buying an entirely new bed when your child's ready to go up. However, they can be more expensive upfront than the standard crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best crib newborn choice for you since it is smaller and takes up less space, but should your baby be expected to spend much of their time in their parents' room or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, consider a crib.

A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats should not be too wide apart to prevent your child from falling out.

Stores

The amount of baby stuff you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. This is why it's essential to consider the storage options when you choose the right crib bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating cot top ranked cribs changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small single bed, which can extend their use for a longer time.

Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the process of conversion is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This lets parents reduce the expense of a separate bed.

A few cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks beautiful. Being able to access these items makes it easier for parents when feeding their infant.

A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots feature an older style and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby essentials.

This is a great solution for those who have limited space, but you will have to purchase a drawer on your own. You may need to buy bedding and a mattress separately because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot is a beautiful example of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby's essentials away from view but easily accessible. Our panel was able to find it easy 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's bed when your child is ready.