How to Choose the best cot beds; additional reading, for Your Baby

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

Our top pick is this basic but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress fits snugly to avoid any gaps, which could create the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available: coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best cots uk one for your child.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible the mattress is essential to the comfort. It must provide the right support and promote a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be secured to the frame, so your child isn't trapped in them while moving during sleep.

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

When it comes to fashion there's a broad selection, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they awake.

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who aren't tall enough or have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be converted into a toddler's bed when it is time. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A secure sleeping space is a must and a major factor when selecting a bed. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could ou begin using it, and be sure to follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of white and natural wood and best cot beds the clever features like under-bed storage drawers for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappy and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).

One of our favorite features is the teething rails which protect your baby from smacking their head against the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot, like the handle or corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming in danger of being suffocated. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant. We are thrilled that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last for up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which are listed in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing an entirely new bed as your child gets ready to move up. They are more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room or you need a bed that will last longer, you should opt for a crib.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too wide apart to prevent your child from falling out.

Stores

If you're a new parent or a veteran the amount of items a baby needs is staggering. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. Certain cots offer additional storage options, such as drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler or small single bed, which can extend their use for a longer time.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin cot beds for sale. This is a great option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of a separate bed.

Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dummies along with other small things. This helps keep everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks great. Having easy access to these items will make it much easier for parents to feed their infant.

A teething rail is a desirable feature that is included in some cots. This can help to keep your baby from chewing on the wood, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and include a large under-bed storage drawer that is ideal for storing blankets, toys clothes, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea for when you're in a tight space, it's important to remember that you will require a separate extra drawer. You may have to purchase an additional mattress and bedding, as oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep baby's essentials out of view but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's a good investment too.