How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby it is essential to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.
This minimalist, elegant coffin is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Find a comfortable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps that could cause a risk of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the best one for your child.
Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the primary factor to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which must be firmly attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not be caught when they move during sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or browse online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.
There are many styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel cheerful and happy when they wake up.
Most cots come with an under-bed drawer for storage as well as teething rails that protect your child from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. cots offers can also purchase drop sides for small infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.
Look for a cot which meets the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. Find this information in the product description or in the specifications.
Safety
A safe and secure sleeping environment is essential and a big aspect to consider when choosing a crib. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of various materials from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has an inclined side, make sure it is in the up position and secured.
A drop side should only be allowed to go down when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on walls if it has a solid end. This could limit airflow, which could lead to coffin death. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends are safer since they allow for greater airflow.
If your crib has a fixed side, opt for this as it's safer when your baby starts to crawl and climb up. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into a junior bed.
Some cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a fantastic security measure that allows your child's cot to grow with their needs. Some cots also have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers wanting to stand up in their bed.
Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure that there is no visible danger - it must be kept away from heaters or power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're purchasing furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece, check for hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that can be removed and pose danger.
If you are unsure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for help or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual be sure to read it before using it and follow all the instructions.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of natural and white pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers that can hold all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It's also easy to construct with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more details).
The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They stop your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any other protruding part of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from being suffocated. There's also an opening that can be removed to allow you to get access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough 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 are typically larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a bed until they're ready to move on. However, they are more expensive upfront than a standard crib.
If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best choice for you as it is smaller and takes up less space, but should your baby be expected to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, you should consider a crib.
If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of baby cot mattresses) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure your baby doesn't fall out.
Stores
The amount of baby gear you need is overwhelming, regardless of whether you're a new mom or an experienced one. This is the reason it's important to think about the storage options when you choose the right cot bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage solutions available such as drawers in the under-bed or a top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their usability for longer.
Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly simple and involves the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.
A number of cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This helps keep 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 desirable feature to look out for is a teething rail that comes with some cots. This will stop 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 under the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby essentials.
This is a great option when space is a problem but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. It is also possible to buy a new mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't typically included in the cot itself.
This sleigh-style cot bed is an exquisite illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a spacious under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep baby's essentials away from view but easily accessible. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler's crib when your child is ready.