How to Choose the best cots Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child, it's important to choose a cot that will be safe and secure for your child. Find a cot which has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It is also easy to put together and comes 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 snug to avoid any gaps, which could create a suffocation risk. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the Best Cot Bed one for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot for sale or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your comfort. It should provide proper support and encourage an ideal posture. This is also true for the slats. They should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame, so your child doesn't get stuck in them while they move during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Make sure you choose a mattress that's air-conditioned, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

When it comes to fashion, there's a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful as they wake up.

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

To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big consideration when choosing a crib. 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 can hold the child's arms and head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has an inclined side, make sure it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be permitted down only when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall since it will block airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges may be safer because they allow for greater airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it is the most secure option when your child starts to crawl and climb up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots feature a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will expand with your child which is extremely convenient and an added safety measure. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who want to stand up.

When you put your child in their cot, check that there is no visible danger - it must be away from heat sources or windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and create a risk.

If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for help or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it before using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the mix of natural wood and white as well as the clever features such as drawers under the bed for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to put together, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).

The teething rails are among our top features. They keep your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from suffocating. It also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your baby. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than good cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid buying another bed at an age when they're ready to move on. They are more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery cots is small, a crib might be the best option for you since 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 want a longer-lasting bed, you should consider a cot.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure that your child doesn't fall off.

Stores

The amount of baby cots online gear you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. This is why it's crucial to think about storage options when choosing the crib bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, including drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed to a toddler or a small single bed, increasing their use for a longer time.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of a single side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed.

A few cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy and neat and also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.

Another feature worth looking for is a toothing rail that comes with cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots feature an older style and come with a large storage drawer under the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, you must remember that you will have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view 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 transformed into a toddler's crib when your child's ready.