How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose the right cot that is safe and secure for your little one. Find 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 has three mattress positions, teething bars, and a storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best crib newborn cot mattress keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Find a comfortable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the Best cot for newborn one for your child.

If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the key to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. The slats need to be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats must also be secured to the frame, so that your little one doesn't get stuck in them while they move during sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, ask your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Choose breathable mattresses, as they aid in regulating your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

When it comes to style, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel joyful and happy when they awake.

There are a lot of cots that have a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who aren't tall enough or suffer from health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Choose a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and is easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. Look for this information in the description or in the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment is a must. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Verify that 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 a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the upward position.

A drop side should be allowed to drop only when an adult is present; to prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall since it can block airflow and could cause coffin death. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends could be safer as they allow for more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it's safer when your child starts to crawl and climb up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they're ready to transition into a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a great security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with the child. Other cots come with footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their beds.

If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure that there isn't any obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources, power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to check for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and pose a danger.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely, ask parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding, and a stunning array of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed when your child gets older (see product description for more details).

One of our favorite features are the teething rails that protect your baby from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, like handles or a corner post, and which can also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming trapped. There's also an opening that can be removed to allow parents to reach their 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 complies with strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler cribs beds if your child is old enough. This lets you not have to buy an entirely new bed when your child is ready to make the leap. They may cost more than a crib.

If your nursery is small, you may think about a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room, or if you need a bed that will last longer, you should choose a crib.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not 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 baby cot mattresses. The slats must not be too far apart to stop your child from falling out.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran, the amount of stuff a baby needs is staggering. This is the reason it's important to think about storage options when selecting the crib bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single beds to expand their usage.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown 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 simple and involves the removal of a side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

A number of cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This allows you to keep everything organised tidy and neat and also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for parents to feed their child.

Another thing to look for is a toothing rail that is available with some cots. This can stop your child from chewing on the wood which could cause irritation. Some cots feature a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.

This is a great choice if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding, as oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view but within easy reach. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's a good investment too.