How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting your first child it is crucial to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

This simple but elegant crib is our top choice from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could create the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available: coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the best rated cribs one for your child.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is essential to the comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage an upright posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame so that your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they aid in regulating your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors, which is ideal for those who want their child to wake up feeling fresh and happy!

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 baby's growth. You can also purchase drop sides for small babies or those who have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Find a cot for sale that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler's bed when it is time. Look for this information in the product description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is an essential factor when selecting a bed. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Check that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can 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 and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is locked and in the upward position.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go to fall when an adult is present in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. Do not place your cot against a wall if it has an end that is solid. This can limit airflow, which could cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it is the most secure option when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots have an option that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a great safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with them. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to stand Sale Cot up in their bed.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, check that there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources, power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They can come off and pose a danger.

If you're not sure how to use your cot safely, ask parents around or go to a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural wood and white and the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies, and an impressive array 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 bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product's description for more details).

The teething rails are among our most loved features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing the wood and also preventing them from getting suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side to allow you to access your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into an infant bed, and it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy a new bed when your child is ready to go up. They may cost more than cribs.

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

A crib 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 the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other important elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to stop your child from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby gear you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. This is why it's essential to consider storage options when selecting the cot bed. Many cots offers come with additional storage options, such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of ONE side panel. This lets parents reduce the expense of the purchase of a separate bed.

A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This helps to keep everything organized, neat and tidy and looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for parents to feed their child.

Another desirable feature to look for is a teething rail which is included with cots. This can keep your baby from chewing on the wood that could cause them irritation. Some cots come with a more traditional design and include a large storage drawer under the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea for when you're running out of space, it's important to keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate extra drawer. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's good value too.