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How to Choose the Best 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 little one. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

This simple but stylish cot is our top pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It is also simple to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress is snug to eliminate any gaps that could create the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available on the market that include coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.

No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It should provide proper support and promote an ideal posture. The slats need to be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats must also be firmly connected to the frame so that your child does not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

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

When it comes to fashion there's a variety of styles, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they awake.

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase a drop side for petite babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Look for a cot which meets the strict UK safety standard and is easily transformed into a toddler's bed when it is time. This information is found in the product description and key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be a priority. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended, since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials from foam to natural materials that are good for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has drop sides, make sure it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should be allowed to go down only if an adult is present, this will prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against a wall if it has an end that is solid. This can limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they permit more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side you should choose this because it is the most secure option when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a wonderful security measure that allows your child's cot to grow with their needs. Some cots have adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their beds.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure that there isn't any visible danger. It should be away from heaters, power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, make sure to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and create a risk.

If you're unsure of how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for help or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual be sure to read it before using it and follow the instructions.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the combination of white and natural wood and the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler's desk and bed as your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails which protect your baby from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot like handles or a corner post, and which will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming suffocated. The cot also has drop-sides to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to a toddler bed, and that it is sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready to move on. They may cost more than cribs.

If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best option for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space, but should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' room or you're looking for a more durable bed, you should consider a crib.

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials, and other important elements in baby mattress cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling off.

Storage

The amount of baby stuff you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It is important to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. Many cots come with additional storage solutions available like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their usage.

Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of a single side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.

A few cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. Having easy access to these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their infant.

Another thing to look out for is a teething rail that comes with some cots. This will help prevent your little one chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and have a huge under-bed storage drawer that is ideal for storing blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea for when you're short on space, it's important to remember that you will need to buy a separate additional drawer. You may have to purchase bedding and a mattress separately since oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot is a beautiful illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage space that is perfect for keeping all baby essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.