How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting your first child it is essential to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds (click the up coming article) keep children warm and cozy. Choose a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to avoid any gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation. There are many mattresses available that include coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research and select the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.

If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the primary factor to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes a healthy posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats need to be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move during sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, consult friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Choose breathable mattresses, as they will help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are many styles to pick from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with vibrant primary colours which is perfect if you want your little one to wake up bright and happy!

Most cots come with drawers underneath to store items as well as teething rails that protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can even buy a drop side for smaller babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

For added security, opt for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and will easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. Find this information in the product description or in the specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep 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 sales/cot-bed (large gaps can hold the child's arms and head). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials from foam to natural materials that are good cribs for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to fall only when an adult is present - this prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has a solid end. This will hinder airflow and could cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer because they allow more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge, opt for this as it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and climb up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights in order to expand with your child - this is very convenient and an added security measure. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who want to stand up.

When putting your child's cot in the crib be sure that there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all pose a strangulation risk. When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to check for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They may peel off and pose a danger.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely you can ask other parents or visit an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before using it, and then follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its clever features, such as drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and an enviable assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to build with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).

One of our favourite features are the teething rails which protect your baby from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming trapped. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last for Cot Bed four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which you'll find in the specifications that are listed under each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This lets you avoid buying a new crib as your child gets ready to move up. They may cost more than cribs.

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

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other essential elements in baby cot mattresses) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling off.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. It's important to consider storage when selecting a cot. A number of cots have additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to extend their use.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly simple and involves the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of an additional bed.

A number of cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy and also looks great. The ease of access to these items makes it easier for parents to feed their baby.

Another feature worth looking for is a toothing rail that is available with cots. This will help stop your child from chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and include a large drawer under the bed that is ideal for storing blankets, toys clothes, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea if you're in a tight space, you must keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate additional drawer. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets do not come 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 baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler's crib when your child's ready.