How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your child. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds (nerdgaming.science) keep children warm and cozy. Look for a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available 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.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible sale cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The slats need to be secured and not sliding. The slats must also be secured to the frame, so that your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving in their sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to purchase, talk to friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Make sure you choose a mattress that's ventilated, as they'll aid in to regulate 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 details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel joyful and happy when they awake.

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

Choose a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. This information is found in the product description and the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping is a must. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Check that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your crib has an inclined side, make sure that it is in the up position and locked securely.

A drop side should only be allowed to fall only when an adult is present - this prevents accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall as this will restrict airflow and can cause coffin death. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow more airflow.

If your cot is set on one side, then you can choose it. It's the safest option for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a wonderful security measure that allows your child's cot to grow with the child. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who love to stand up.

If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure whether there is no visible danger - it must be away from heat sources and power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look for any potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They may peel off and create a risk.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner consult other parents or visit an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you go through it before using it and follow all the instructions.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural wood and white and the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies, and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for details).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails which protect your baby from bumping their head on the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot like handles or a corner post, and which can also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming in danger of being suffocated. It also features drop-sides to allow you to get access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy a new crib as your child gets ready to go up. However, they are more expensive than the standard crib.

If your nursery cots is small, you might be considering a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room or you need a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a crib.

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 deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too far apart to prevent your child from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby stuff you need is overwhelming, whether you're a new parent or an experienced one. It's crucial to think about storage when selecting a cot. A number of cots have additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler bed or a single bed, increasing their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.

Some cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies along with other small things. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. Being able to access these items will make it easier for parents to feed their baby.

A teething rail is a desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot for sale which can cause irritation. Some cots feature more traditional designs and include a large storage drawer under the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby necessities.

While this is a great option if you're in a tight space, you must remember that you will need to buy a separate additional drawer. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's also a good value.