How to Choose the Best Cot Bed Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting a child, it is important to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

This simple but elegant cot sets is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could cause a risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.

If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The slats should also be secured and not sagging. The slats should also be securely fixed to the frame, so 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 ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

In terms of style, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they awake.

Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase a drop side for petite babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

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

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is essential and a big aspect to consider when choosing a bed. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't advised as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers and some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall only if an adult is present - this prevents accidental release. Do not place your cot against walls if it has an end that is solid. This will restrict airflow, which can lead to coffin death. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side choose this option as it will be safest when your baby starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into the junior bed.

Some cheap cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a fantastic safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with their needs. Some cheap cots feature adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who love to stand up.

If you are putting your child in their cot, check whether there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources or power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture, check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present a risk.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask other parents or attend an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you go through it before using it and follow all the directions.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural and white wood and the clever features like drawers under the bed for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies, and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more details).

The teething rails are one of our favorite features. They stop your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing the wood, and prevent them from suffocating. There's also a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We love that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed until they're ready to move on. They are more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery is small cot beds, a crib may be the best choice for you as it is smaller and occupies less space. However, if your baby is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' room or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, consider a crib.

A cot 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 deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Stores

The amount of baby gear you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. This is why it's crucial to consider storage options when selecting a crib bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, including drawers under the bed or a 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, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

A number of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy and neat and looks great. The ease of access to these items makes it easier for parents to feed their baby.

A teething rail is a important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots have an older style and come with a large storage drawer beneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby necessities.

While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you must keep in mind that you'll have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a lovely example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's also a good value.