How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting a child it is essential to choose a cot that will provide safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.
Our top choice is this simple but stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed keeps children comfortable and warm. Choose a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps that could cause a 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 determine the best one for your child.
No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is essential to ease of use. It must provide the right support and encourage an ideal posture. The slats need to be securely attached and not sagging. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame, so that your little one doesn't get stuck in them while they move during sleep.
If you're not sure what mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for suggestions. Make sure you choose a mattress that's air-conditioned, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.
In terms of style there's a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel cheerful and happy when they wake up.
You'll find most cots have an under-bed drawer for storage as well as teething rails that protect your child from chewing on the side of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can even purchase a drop side for smaller infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
Look for a cot which is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. Find this information in the description or in the specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment is a must. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in a variety of materials, from foam to natural materials that are good for those suffering from allergies. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the up position.
A drop side should only be allowed to drop only if an adult is present, this prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has an end that is solid. This could hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, slatted end cots are safer since they allow for greater airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge you should choose this because it will be safest when your baby starts to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to transition into the junior bed.
cheap cot bed feature an option where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to expand with your child This is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Some cots also have footplates that can be adjusted, which are great for toddlers who want to sit up in their beds.
When you put your child in their cot, check that there isn't any visible danger. It must be kept away from heaters or power points, windows and curtains and blind cords (these can be strangulation hazards). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and cause danger.
If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner consult parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow the instructions.
Style
With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its clever features, such as drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and an enviable assortment of baby clothes. It is also easy to build, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed when your child gets older (see product description for more information).
The rails for teething are among our top features. They stop your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from suffocating. There's also an opening that can be removed to allow you to access your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the specifications that are listed under each product.
Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This lets you avoid buying an entirely new bed when your child is ready to go up. They may cost more than a crib.
If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best option for you as it is smaller and occupies less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend most of the time in their parents' bedroom or you're looking for a more durable bed, you should consider a cot.
A cot isn't suitable 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 mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure that your baby won't fall off.
Stores
If you're a new parent or a veteran the amount of items a baby needs is staggering. This is why it's essential to think about the storage options when you choose the right crib bed. A number of cots have additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small single bed, increasing their usefulness for a longer period of time.
Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed like this one 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. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed.
A few cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.
Best cot for newborn teething rail is an additional desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will stop 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 beneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby essentials.
This is a great solution for those who have limited space but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot itself.
This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep all the baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It is suitable for babies as young as birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.