How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that's secure and safe for your baby. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

This slick and stylish cot is our top pick from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The Best Cot Bed cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to avoid any gaps that could create the risk of suffocation. There are a range of mattresses on the market - foam, coil springs, natural materials for allergy sufferers, so do your research and select the right one for your baby's needs.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It should provide adequate support and encourage an upright posture. This is also true for the slats, which should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement during sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Choose a mattress that is air-conditioned, as they'll help maintain temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

When it comes to fashion there's a broad selection from classic sleigh styles with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they wake up.

You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can even purchase drop sides for small babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, look for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant cot bed bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the description or in the specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is an essential consideration when choosing a bed. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of various materials including foam and natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is locked and in the upward position.

A drop side should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is present, this will prevent accidental releases. Do not place your cot agacluding nappies, bedding and an enviable array of baby outfits. It's also easy to construct with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your child gets older (see the product description for details).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They stop your baby from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop children from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from suffocating. The cot also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last for up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This lets you not have to buy a new bed when your child is ready to go up. However, they can be more expensive than the standard crib.

If your nursery is small, you may be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However should you be planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in the room or you need a bed that lasts longer, you should choose a crib.

If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of baby mattress cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling off.

Stores

If you're a new parent or an experienced one the amount of things a baby needs is staggering. It's crucial to think about storage when you choose a cot. Some cots come with additional storage options, including drawers beneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their use for a longer time.

Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who prefer an edgier design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.

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

Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail that is available with cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots offers feature a more traditional design and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes blankets, baby essentials.

This is a great choice if space is an issue however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed an exquisite illustration of Scandi style at its best. It features a huge under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep all baby necessities away from view but easily accessible. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to put together for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's a good investment too.