How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting your first child it is essential to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your baby. Choose a sale cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

This minimalist, stylish coffin is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best infant cribs cot beds will keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could cause an suffocation threat. There are many types of mattresses available: coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.

It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It should provide proper support and promote a healthy posture. The slats must be secured and not sagging. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, so that your little one doesn't get trapped in them while moving in their sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to buy, consult your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

In terms of style there's a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours which is great when you want your little one to wake up bright and happy!

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby cot online. You can also purchase drop sides for small infants or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

Find a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily be converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information is available in the product description as well as the key specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment is a must. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can trap the child's arms or head). Make sure the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot has a drop side, ensure it is in the upward position and locked securely.

A drop side should be allowed to go down when an adult is present; this prevents accidental release. Do not place your cot against a wall if it has a solid end. This could limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they allow more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side you should choose this because it's safer when your baby starts to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into a junior bed.

Some cots have a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels in order to expand with your child - this is very practical and a great security measure. Some cots also have footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their bed.

If you are putting your child in their cot, make sure that there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources and windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to check for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.

If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for help or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the mix of natural wood and white and the clever features like under-bed storage drawers for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler bed and desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

One of our favourite features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from smacking their head against the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot like a handle or a corner post, and which can also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting trapped. There's also an opening that can be removed to allow you to get access to your baby. We love that it can be converted into an infant bed, and it is sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready to transition. However, they may be pricier upfront than the standard crib.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might think about a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However, if you plan on spending a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom or you need an item that lasts longer, you should consider a cot.

A cot isn't safe 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 deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too close together to ensure that your baby won't fall out.

Stores

The amount of baby stuff you need is overwhelming, whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Some cots come with additional storage options, such as drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single beds to expand 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 choice for those who like an edgier design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of one side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.

A few cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This helps to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy and looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This will help stop your child from chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with an older style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer that is ideal to store blankets, toys, clothes and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, you must remember that you will need to buy a separate additional drawer. It is also possible to buy a new mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets aren't typically included in the cot itself.

This sleigh-style cot bed an exquisite illustration of Scandi style at its best cot newborn. It has a spacious under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep all baby necessities away from view but easily accessible. Our panel was able to find it straightforward to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants as young as birth and can be made into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.