How to Choose the best baby cots Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

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

Comfort

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

It doesn't matter if you pick a standard cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your ease of use. It should provide adequate support and encourage an upright posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be firmly attached and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be secured to the frame so that your little one doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Choose a mattress that is ventilated, as they'll aid in to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

When it comes to style there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel happy and happy when they wake up.

You'll find most cots have an under-bed drawer for storage as well as teething rails that protect your child from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also buy an extra drop-side for babies that aren't tall enough or suffer from health issues that make it hard to bend over.

For added peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. This information can be found in the description of the product and the key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big consideration when choosing a bed. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Check that it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended, as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in various materials, from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the up position.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. Do not place your cot against walls if it has an end that is solid. This could restrict airflow, which can result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer as they allow for 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 as they begin to crawl and then pull themselves upwards. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a wonderful security measure that allows the cot of your child to grow with them. Some cots also have adjustable footplates, which are great for toddlers who want to sit up in their bed.

If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure that there isn't any obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources or windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and pose a danger.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely consult other parents or attend an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and Cot Bed guidance. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you read it before using it and follow the instructions.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural and white wood as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).

The rails for teething are among our top features. They stop your baby from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop children from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from being suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your baby. We love that it can be converted into an infant cot bed bed, and it's built to last for four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing a new crib when your child's ready to go up. They are more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best option for you as it is smaller and takes up less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend most of the time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.

If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other key elements of baby mattresses for cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't fall off.

Storage

Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Many cots come with additional storage options, such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into an infant bed or a small single beds to expand their use.

Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of a separate bed.

Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies and other small things. This makes everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another desirable feature to look for is a toothing rail which is included with cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots have an older style and come with a large storage drawer beneath the bed, which is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, baby essentials.

While this is a great option if you're in a tight space, it's important to be aware that you'll need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep all baby necessities out of sight but still easily accessible. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together, due to the 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, which means it's also a good value.