How to Choose the best cot bed (Full Content) 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 little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

This slick and stylish crib is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best rated cribs cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps that could create the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available that include coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the key to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The slats need to be secured and not sliding. The slats must also be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not be caught when they move in their sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, ask your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Make sure you choose a mattress that's ventilated, as they'll aid in to regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

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

You'll find most cots and tots have drawers underneath to store items and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the side of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase a drop side for petite infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the description or in the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gaps between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of various materials from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has drop sides, make sure it is in the up position and locked securely.

A drop side should be allowed to go down only when an adult is present, this prevents accidental release. If your cot has a solid end, avoid placing it against the wall since this will restrict airflow and may contribute to death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends are safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing 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 levels to allow it to increase with your child's growth which is extremely practical and a great security measure. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.

When putting your child's cot in the crib, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from heaters and power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could present a strangulation threat. If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture Be sure to check for potential choking hazards like stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present danger.

If you are unsure about how to use your cot, ask other parents for advice or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has an instruction manual, read it carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding, and an enviable array of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for details).

The rails for teething are among our top features. They keep your child 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. There's also an opening that can be removed to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's sturdy 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 are generally bigger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready for the transition. However, they are more expensive than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in your room, or if you need an item that lasts longer, you should choose a cot.

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

Stores

Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when selecting a cot bed. A number of cots have additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed to a toddler or a small single bed, which can extend their use for a longer time.

Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.

Some cot beds are equipped with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and dolls along with other small objects. This allows you to keep everything organised, neat and tidy and also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and include a large under-bed storage drawer which is ideal for storing blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.

This is a great option for those who have limited space, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the cheap cot beds itself.

This sleigh-style cot bed is a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep all baby necessities out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's a good investment too.