How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting a baby it is crucial to select a cot which can provide security and safety for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress height 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 baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and make sure the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could pose the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available - foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is essential to ease of use. It should provide proper support and encourage an ideal posture. The same applies to the slats, which should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be secured to the frame, so that your child isn't trapped in them while moving during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations, or read online cots reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they can help regulate your body temperature and less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours which is perfect for those who want their child to wake up feeling fresh and content!

Most cots come with an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your baby from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that aren't tall enough or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily transform into an infant bed when the time is right. This information is found in the product description and the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, the safety of your child's sleep is a must. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gaps between it and the cot's bed's sides or ends (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Make sure it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't advised since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has drop sides, make sure it is in tunder-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and an enviable array of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed as your child gets older (see the product description for more information).

One of our favorite 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 the handle or corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming trapped. The cot also has a drop-side to make it easier for you to get access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's built to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid purchasing a new bed when your child's ready to move up. However, they can be more expensive upfront than a standard crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best option for you as it is smaller and takes up less space. However, should your baby be expected to spend most of the time in their parents' bedroom or you want a longer-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.

A cot isn't suitable 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 deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of Baby Cot (click through the up coming document) mattresses. The slats shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure your baby doesn't get tossed out.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of things a baby needs is staggering. It's important to consider storage when selecting a cot. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single beds to expand their use.

Some cot beds can be adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who like an edgier design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of the purchase of a separate bed.

Some cot beds come with a hanging rail 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 beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This can prevent your little one chewing on the wood that could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is ideal to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great option if you're short on space, you must remember that you will need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby's essentials out of view but within easy reach. Our panel found it very easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's also a good value.