How to Choose the Best cot for newborn Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it is essential to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your child. Find a cot which has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

This minimalist, stylish crib is our top choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could pose the danger of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available, including foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible cot the mattress is essential to ease of use. It should provide proper support and promote an ideal posture. The slats should also be secured and not sagging. The slats need to be firmly attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not be caught when they move in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they can help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with vibrant primary colours which is perfect if you want your baby to wake up feeling bright and cheerful!

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate your child's growth. You can even purchase a drop side for smaller babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

For extra security, opt for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the description or key specs.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a cot. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in various materials from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has drop sides, make sure it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be allowed down only when an adult is in the room. This can prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has a solid end. This could limit airflow, which could cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side choose this option as it is the most secure option when your child begins to crawl and climb up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to transition into a junior bed.

Some cots feature a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels in order to expand with your child This is extremely useful and is a security measure. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who like to stand up.

When you place your child's cot be sure that there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be placed away from power and heater points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. They all could present a strangulation threat. If you're purchasing furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom Be sure to check for potential hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and create a risk.

If you're not sure about how to use your cot, consult other parents for help or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

This gorgeous sale cot bed, with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of natural and white pine, and its clever features, such as drawers under the bed to store everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and an enviable assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from smacking their head against the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot, such as handles or a corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming in danger of being suffocated. It also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your infant. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into a toddler bed, and it is sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the key specs below 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's ready to move up. They can be more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best choice for you as it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your baby is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' bedroom or you're looking for a more durable bed, you should consider a cot.

A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to stop your baby from falling off.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of things a baby needs is staggering. It is important to think about storage when you choose a cot. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed into a toddler or small single bed, increasing their usability for longer.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as shown 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 money on a separate bed.

A variety of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This helps to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy - and it also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another desirable feature to look for is a toothing rail that is available in a few cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and have a huge drawer under the bed that is perfect to store blankets, toys, clothes and other baby essentials.

This is a great crib choice when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. You may need to buy a separate mattress and bedding, as oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed is stunning example of Scandi style at its best. It features a huge under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby's essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It is suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child's ready.