How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

Our top choice is this simple but stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to eliminate any gaps that could create a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available - foam, coil springs and natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the best cot Bed (www.Metooo.co.Uk) one for your baby's requirements.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot sets, the key to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes a healthy posture. The slats should also be securely attached and not sliding. The slats must also be secured to the frame so that your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they can aid in regulating your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.

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

Most cots come with an under-bed drawer for storage and teething rails to guard your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who are small or have medical conditions that make it hard to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, look for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and can easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. Look for this information in the description or key specs.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Check that it's firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended, as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in various materials from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop sides, make sure it is in the up position and locked securely.

Drop sides should only be permitted down only when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom, avoid placing it against the wall as it will block airflow and may contribute to death in the coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges could be safer as they allow for greater airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots feature an option where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will expand with your child This is extremely useful and is a security measure. Some cots come with footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.

When you place your child's cot, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from heaters and power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you're purchasing furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom be sure to look for any choking hazards like stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose danger.

If you're not sure how to use your cot safely consult other parents or visit an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you read it before using it and adhere to the directions.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style This stunning cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was awed by the combination of natural wood and white as well as the clever features such as under-bed storage drawers for everything needed by babies, cots to Tots, pediascape.science, such as bedding, nappies and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also easy to build with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler bed and desk when your child gets older (see the product description for details).

The teething rails are among our most loved features. They prevent your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop children from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from suffocating. There's also drop-sides to allow you to access your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into an infant bed, and it is sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also complies with the stringent 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 avoid purchasing a new crib when your child's ready to make the leap. However, they can be pricier upfront than a standard crib.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might be considering a crib. It is smaller and occupies less space. However should you be planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your bedroom or you need a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a crib.

If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cheap baby cots cot mattresses) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure that your child doesn't fall out.

Storage

If you're a new parent or a veteran, the amount of stuff that a baby requires is overwhelming. It's important to consider storage when selecting a cot. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options, such as under-bed drawers or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their usage.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.

Some cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies along with other small things. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another thing to look for is a teething rail that comes in a few cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer that is perfect for storing toys, blankets clothing, and other baby necessities.

This is a great choice for those who have limited space but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a lovely example of the Scandi-style at its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants as young as birth, and can be made into a toddler's crib when your child's ready.