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 ensure safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

This slick and elegant coffin is our top choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It’s also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot mattress keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Look for a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could create a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available that include coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers – so do your research before deciding on the one that is suitable for your baby’s needs.

No matter if you select a standard or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The slats must be securely attached and not sagging. The slats must be securely attached to the frame, so that your little one doesn’t get caught in them when moving in their sleep.

If you’re not sure what mattress to buy, consult your family and friends or consult online reviews for suggestions. Make sure you choose a mattress that’s breathable, as they’ll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they awake.

There are a lot of cots that have a drawer underneath for storage as well as teething rails that protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for babies who aren’t tall enough or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, search for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. This information is found in the description of the product and the key specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, 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. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has 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 the wall if it is an end that is solid. This will hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer as they allow for more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side you should choose this because it will be safest when your baby starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it’s time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a great safety measure and enables your child’s cot to grow with them. Some cots come with footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who love to stand up.

When you put your child in their cot, ensure that there isn’t any visible danger – it must be kept away from heaters, power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). If you’re buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece Be sure to check for potential hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose a risk.

If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has an instruction manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural and white wood and the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and an impressive array of cheap baby cots clothes. It’s also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. What’s more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for details).

One of our favourite features is the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head against the cot’s side or any 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 being trapped. The cot also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We are thrilled that it can be converted to an infant bed, and that it’s built to last for up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs beds and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed at an age when they’re ready for the transition. They may cost more than cribs.

If your nursery isn’t big enough, you might think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby’s time in your room or you need an item that lasts longer, you should consider a crib.

A cot isn’t safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn’t meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of Baby Cot (look at these guys) mattresses. The slats shouldn’t be too wide apart to prevent your child from falling out.

Stores

If you’re a new parent or an experienced one, the amount of stuff a baby needs is staggering. This is why it’s essential to consider storage options when selecting a crib bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed to a toddler or a small single bed, extending their usability for longer.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who prefer an edgier design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed.

A variety of cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This helps to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy – and it also looks amazing. Being able to access these items makes it easier for parents to feed their Baby Cot Bed.

A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will help prevent your little one chewing on the wood which could cause irritation. Some cots and tots feature more traditional designs and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.

While this is a great option if you’re running out of space, it’s important to remember that you will have to purchase an additional drawer. You may need to buy bedding and a mattress separately since oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that’s ideal to keep baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. Our panel found it very easy to put together thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It’s suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be converted into a toddler’s bed when your child’s ready.