How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a child it is crucial to choose a cot that can provide security and safety for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

This slick and stylish crib is our top pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds will keep baby's warm and comfortable. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could cause a risk of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible the mattress is crucial to ensure your ease of use. It should provide adequate support and encourage an upright posture. The same is true for the slats, which should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be securely fixed to the frame, so that your little one doesn't get trapped in them while moving in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Look for ones that are breathable, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and happy when they wake up.

Most cots come with an under-bed drawer for storage as well as teething rails that protect your child from chewing on the side of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase drop sides for small babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, search for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the product description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big aspect to consider when choosing a crib. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gaps between it and the cot's bed sides or ends (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Make sure it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has an inclined side, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to drop only when an adult is present; to prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge be sure to avoidr instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk or bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more details).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails, which shield your baby from bumping their head on the cot's side or any protruding parts of the cot, like handles or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from being suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be removed to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We are thrilled that it can be converted to an infant bed, and it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs beds and Baby Cot can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed when they're ready to move on. However, they are pricier upfront than the standard crib.

If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best choice for you since it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your child is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.

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 baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too far apart to stop your baby from falling off.

Storage

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of things a baby needs is staggering. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when selecting a crib bed. A number of cots have additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small cot beds single bed to extend their usage.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as seen on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the process of conversion is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of a separate bed.

A number of cot beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. Having easy access to these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their baby.

Another feature worth looking out for is a teething rail which is included with some cots. This can prevent your little one chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and come with a large drawer under the bed that is ideal to store blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea if you're running out of space, you must keep in mind that you'll require a separate extra drawer. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and baby cot has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to put together for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's also a good value.