How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a cheap baby cots, it's important to choose a cot that's secure and safe for your little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

This slick and stylish coffin is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could pose a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available, including foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. This is also true for the slats. They should be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be secured to the frame so that your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving in their sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Make sure you choose a mattress that's air-conditioned, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

When it comes to style there's a variety of styles from classic sleigh styles with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they awake.

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer and teething rails that stop your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate your child'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.

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

Safety

When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Check that it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't advised since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers and some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be allowed down only when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall because it will block airflow and could cause the death of a coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they allow more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side choose this option as it is the most secure option when your child starts to crawl and climb up. Once your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they're ready to move into a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels in order to expand with your child which is extremely useful and is a safety measure. 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, ensure whether there is no obvious danger - it should be away from heaters or windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture, check for hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and pose the risk of.

If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for help or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before using it, and then follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of white and natural wood as well as the clever features like drawers under the bed 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 clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler bed or desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for details).

One of our favorite features is the teething rails which protect your little one from bumping their head on the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot like a handle or a corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from getting suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your baby. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a new bed at an age when they're ready to move on. They can be more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best cots uk choice for you as it is smaller and occupies less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' bedroom or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, opt for a crib.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats should not be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't fall out.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of things the baby will require is immense. It's crucial to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. Some cots have additional storage options, such as drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can be transformed into a toddler bed or a single bed, which can extend their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, like the one shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed.

A number of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organized tidy, best cots uk neat and tidy and looks great. Being able to access these items makes it easier for parents when feeding their child.

A teething rail is a desired feature that is found in some cots 4 tots. This can prevent your little one chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with a more traditional style and come with a large drawer under the bed that is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothing, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great option if you're running out of space, you must be aware that you'll need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot.

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