How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

This slick and stylish crib is our top ranked cribs choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps which could pose a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child.

If you choose a convertible or standard cot, the key to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The slats should also be securely attached and not sagging. The slats must also be secured to the frame so that your child doesn't get caught in them when moving in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose a mattress that is breathable, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel joyful 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 side of the cot, and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can even purchase drop sides for small infants or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

For added peace of mind, look for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily transform into an infant cot bed bed when the time is appropriate. This information is available in the product description as well as the key specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be a priority. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Check that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.

Drop sides should only be allowed down only when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall because this will restrict airflow and could cause the death of a coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends are safer since they permit more airflow.

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

Some cots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a fantastic security measure that allows the cot of your child to grow with their needs. Other cots come with adjustable footplates, which are great for toddlers who want to sit up in their beds.

When placing your child's cot, make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be placed away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could present a strangulation threat. If you're buying furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and pose danger.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely consult other parents or visit a local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a manual, make sure you go through it before using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).

The rails for teething are among our most loved features. They prevent your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also stop children from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from being suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to a toddler bed, and it's built to last for four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing a new bed when your child is ready to go up. However, they can be more expensive than the standard crib.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your Baby beds's time in your room or you need a bed that lasts longer, you should choose a cot.

A cot 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 deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too close together to ensure your baby doesn't fall off.

Storage

The amount of baby gear you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. This is the reason it's important to think about the storage options when you choose a crib bed. Many cots come with additional storage options, such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to increase their use.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of a separate bed.

A number of cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This helps keep everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another thing to look for is a teething rail which is included with some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots feature more traditional designs and come with a large storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby cot online essentials.

While this is a great idea for when you're running out of space, you must be aware that you'll require a separate additional drawer. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep Baby beds necessities out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be made into a toddler's crib when your child is ready.