How to Choose the best rated cribs Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it is essential to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your child. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawer. It is also easy to put together and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds will keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress fits snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to find the best one for your child.

If you choose an ordinary or convertible cot, the key to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which should be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame so that your child isn't 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. Choose breathable mattresses, as they aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

There are many styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours which is perfect if you want your child to wake up bright and cheerful!

Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cheap cot bed and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate your child's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who are small or suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

Look for a cot which is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's bed when it's time. Look for this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, the safety of your child's sleep is a must. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can hold the child's arms and head). Check that it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended because they 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 have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is secured 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. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall as this will restrict airflow and can cause the death of a coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends are safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is set on one side, choose it. It's the safest option for best cots your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves upward. Once your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to transition into the junior bed.

Some cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a fantastic security measure that allows your child's cot to expand with their needs. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who want to stand up.

If you are putting your child in their cot, check that there is no visible danger - it should be away from heaters or windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look for any choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and cause danger.

If you're unsure of how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you go through it before using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design This gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and a dazzling variety of baby outfits. It's also a breeze to put together, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for more details).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails which protect your little one from smacking their head against the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot like a handle or a corner post, and which can also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being trapped. It also has a drop-side for easier access to your baby. We are thrilled that it can be converted into an infant bed, and it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds are usually 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 for the transition. They may cost more than cribs.

If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best choice for you as it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your child is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you want a longer-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other essential elements of baby mattresses for cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling off.

Storage

If you're a new parent or a seasoned one, the amount of stuff the baby will require is immense. This is why it's crucial to consider storage options when choosing the right cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their usage.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.

A number of cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy and looks fantastic. Being able to access these items will make it much easier for parents when feeding their infant.

A teething rail is an additional desired feature that is found in some cots. This will help prevent your little one chewing on the wood that could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is ideal for storing blankets, toys clothes, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, you should keep in mind that you'll have to purchase an additional drawer. It is also possible to buy a new mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.