How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting your first child, it is important to choose a cot that can provide security and safety for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.
Our top choice is this simple but elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. best cots comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds will keep children warm and cozy. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to eliminate any gaps that could pose a risk of suffocation. There are many mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.
No matter if you select an ordinary or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement during sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations, or read 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 many styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in bold primary colours, which is ideal if you want your little one to wake up bright and happy!
There are a lot of cots that have drawers underneath to store items as well as teething rails that protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can even purchase a drop side for smaller babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.
Look for a cot which is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. This information is found in the description of the product and key specifications.
Safety
When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment is a must. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can trap the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers and some even have 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 fall only when an adult is present - to prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has a solid end. This could hinder airflow and could lead to coffin death. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges are safer since they permit more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed edge, opt for this as it will be safest when your baby starts to crawl and then pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three different levels. This is a great security feature that allows your child's cot to grow with them. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who want to stand up.
If you are putting your child in their cot, check that there is no visible danger - it must be away from heat sources and windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture Be sure to check for potential dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose a risk.
If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for advice or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide be sure to go through it before using it and adhere to the instructions.
Style
This stunning cot bed with its sleigh design will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, and its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and an enviable assortment of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed as your child grows older (see product description for more details).
One of our favourite features are the teething rails which protect your little one from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot like handles or a corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from getting suffocated. It also features 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 a toddler bed, and it's built to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the specifications that are listed under each product.
Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a new bed when they're ready to move on. However, they may be more expensive upfront than a crib that is standard.
If your nursery is small, you might think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However, if you plan to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room or if you require an item that lasts longer, you should choose a cot.
If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other important elements of baby cot mattresses) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't fall out.
Storage
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It is important to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. Some cots have additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their usage.
Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who like an edgier design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. This lets parents save money on an additional bed.
A variety of cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organized tidy and neat - and it also looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.
A teething rail is a desirable feature that is included in some cots. This can help to prevent your little one chewing on the wood, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with more traditional designs and have a huge storage drawer underneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby essentials.
This is a great solution when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You may need to buy an additional mattress and bedding, as oval sheets and mattresses do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it easy to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler's crib when your child is ready.