Are You Getting The Most Of Your Cot Beds?

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it is essential to select the right cot that is secure and safe 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 pick is this basic but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and a storage drawer. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress is snug to eliminate any gaps that could create the risk of suffocation. There are a range of mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers - so do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The slats need to be secured and not sagging. The slats must be securely fixed to the frame, so that your child doesn't get stuck in them while they move in their sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to purchase, talk to your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Look for ones that are breathable, as they'll help 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 sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bright primary colors, which is ideal when you want your child to wake up feeling fresh and cheerful!

The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for babies who aren't tall enough or have health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Find a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards and can easily be transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. This information is found in the product description and the specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is a must and a major consideration when choosing a bed. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it tots and cots the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps can keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Check that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is secured and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to fall only when an adult is present; to prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against the wall if it is a solid end. This can hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer because they permit more airflow.

If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It will be the most secure option for your baby as they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots have an option that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a wonderful safety measure and enables your child's cot to expand with their needs. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who love to stand up.

When putting your child's cot in the crib be sure that there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be placed away from heaters and power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. They all could present a strangulation threat. If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could peel off and present the risk of.

If you are unsure what you should do to use your cot, ask other parents for help or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding, and an enviable assortment of baby clothes. It is also easy to construct with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood, and prevent them from getting suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your baby. We are thrilled that it can be converted into an infant bed, and that it's built to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. These are listed in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger 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 bed until they're ready to move on. However, they can be pricier upfront than a standard crib.

If your nursery is very small, a crib could be the best crib newborn option for you as it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you want a longer-lasting bed, you should consider a cot.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with the thickness of mattresses, the materials used and other key elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling off.

Stores

Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of things the baby will require is immense. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. There are a variety of cots to tots that have additional storage options such as under-bed drawers or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler or small single bed, which can extend their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is simple and involves the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed purchase.

A variety of cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This makes everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. 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 which is included with cots. This will help prevent your little one chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some cots have an older style and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, baby essentials.

This is a great solution when space is a problem, but you will have to purchase a drawer separately. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a stunning example of the Scandi-style at its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's good value too.