How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child, it's important to choose a cot that will be secure and safe for your little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

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

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps that could pose the danger of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible, a good mattress is vital to your ease of use. It must provide the right support and encourage an ideal posture. The same is true for the slats, which must be secured and best cot beds not sagging or bent. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame so that your little one doesn't get caught in them when moving during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose a mattress that is ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

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

Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer and teething rails that stop your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate your child's growth. You can even buy drop sides for small infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the description or key specs.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is an essential factor when selecting a cot. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can hold the child's arms and head). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some contain anti-microbial treatments. If your crib has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go down only when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge do not place it against the wall because it can block airflow and could cause the death of a coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer as they allow more airflow.

If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It's the safest option for your child when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into the junior bed.

Some cots have an option that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a fantastic security measure that allows the cot of your child to grow with them. Other cots come with footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their beds.

When you put your child in their cot, make sure whether there is no visible danger - it must be kept away from heaters and power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look for any choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and create a risk.

If you're not sure about how to use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and follow the safety guidelines closely.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh design will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the mix of natural and white wood, as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappies and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

The teething rails are among our top 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 them from chewing the wood, and prevent them from getting suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last for four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy a new bed when your child's ready to go up. They can be more expensive than recommended cribs.

If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best baby cots choice for you, as it's smaller and occupies less space, but should your baby be expected to spend most of the time in their parents' rooms or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, consider a crib.

If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other essential elements of baby cot mattresses) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling off.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of things a cheap baby cots for sale needs is staggering. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage solutions available like drawers under 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 cot beds can be transformed into a daybed, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of ONE side panel. This lets parents save money on a separate bed.

Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dummies and other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy and also looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot which can cause irritation. Some cots have a more traditional design and include a large storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea for when you're short on space, you must remember that you will need to buy a separate extra drawer. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh-style cot bed is stunning illustration of Scandi style at its best cot bed (related webpage). It has a spacious under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep all baby cot online necessities out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble for our panel. It is suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be made into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.