How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select the right cot that is safe and secure for your little one. Look for a cot that has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress 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 babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause the risk of suffocation. There are a range of mattresses on the market including coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers. So do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

If you choose a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes a healthy posture. The slats should also be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame, so that your child isn't caught in them when moving during sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they will help you regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they wake up.

Most cots come with an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that are small or have medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, search for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and can easily transform into an infant bed when the time is right. Look for this information in the product description or in the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, the safety of your child's sleep should be the top rated cots priority. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot/cot beds edges or sides (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of various materials from foam to natural materials that are good for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to drop only if an adult is present, this prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall since it can block airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer because they allow more airflow.

If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It will be the safest option for your Baby Cot Bed when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to transition into a junior bed.

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

When you place your child's cot, make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be kept away from power and heater points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. They all could present a strangulation threat. 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 pose a danger.

If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you start using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design This gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its smart features, including drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding, and an enviable assortment of baby clothes. It's also easy to construct, with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).

One of our favorite features is the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head against the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting suffocated. There's also drop-sides to make it easier for you to get access to your Baby beds. We love that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing a new crib as your child gets ready to make the leap. However, they can be pricier upfront than the standard crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best choice for you as it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' room or you're looking for a more durable bed, 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 covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other essential elements of cot sets mattresses for babies. The slats must not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Storage

Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of things a baby needs is staggering. This is why it's essential to think about storage options when selecting the cot bed. Many cots come with additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating sale cot top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single beds to expand their usage.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to reduce the expense of the purchase of a separate bed.

A variety of cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks beautiful. Being able to access these items will make it much easier for parents when feeding their child.

Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail which is included with some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which can cause irritation. Some cots feature an older style and include a large storage drawer beneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you should remember that you will need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but within easy reach. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.