How to Choose the best cot beds, click this over here now, for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it is essential to select a cot that's safe and secure for your little one. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could cause a risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the best one for your child.

It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible cot the mattress is vital to your comfort. It should provide adequate support and encourage an ideal posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must be securely fixed to the frame, so that your child doesn't get caught in them when moving during sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, consult your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in vibrant primary colours, which is ideal if you want your child to wake up feeling fresh and cheerful!

The majority of cots offers have a drawer for storage underneath and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who are small or have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

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

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is an essential factor when selecting a bed. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Check that it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't advised since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.

A drop side should be allowed to fall only when an adult is present, this will prevent accidental release. Do not place your cot against a wall if it has an end that is solid. This could restrict airflow, which can result in death of the coffin. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they permit more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the most secure option for your baby when they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights to allow it to increase with your child's growth This is extremely convenient and an added safety measure. Other cots come with adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their bed.

When putting your child's cot in the crib, make sure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be put away from any heaters or power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could pose a strangulation risk. When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, be sure to look out for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They can come off and pose a danger.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you begin using it, and follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh style will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of white and natural pine, and its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and a dazzling assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to construct, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler bed or desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).

One of our most loved features is the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head against the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot, like handles or a corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being trapped. It also features an opening that can be removed to make it easier for parents to reach their newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's built to last for up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which are listed in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready to move on. However, they may be pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.

If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best option for you as it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you want a longer-lasting bed, consider a cot.

If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers mattress thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby mattresses for cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling out.

Stores

The amount of baby gear you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when choosing a cot bed. Some cots have additional storage options, including drawers underneath the bed or a top rated cots changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to increase their use.

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

A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks beautiful. Having easy access to these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is a desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cheap cot beds's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing toys, blankets, clothes and other baby essentials.

This is a great solution for those who have limited space but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's good cribs value too.