How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that's safe and secure for your child. Find a cot which has fixed sides instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this simple yet elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Choose a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could create a suffocation risk. There are a range of mattresses available - foam, coil springs, natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.
No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your the comfort. It must provide the right support and promote a healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame so that your child does not get caught when they move during sleep.
If you're not sure which mattress to buy, ask friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Choose breathable mattresses, as they help regulate your body temperature and are less likely to hold bacteria.
There are a variety of styles to pick from that include traditional sleighs with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted in vibrant primary colours, which is ideal for those who want their baby to wake up feeling fresh and content!
Most cots come with a drawer underneath for storage and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the side of the cot and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can even purchase drop sides for small babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
Choose a cot that meets the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. This information can be found in the product description as well as the key specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be a priority. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in various materials including foam and natural materials that are suitable for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.
Drop top ranked cribs should only be allowed to go to fall when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This could hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer because they allow for more airflow.
If your crib has a fixed side, opt for this as it's safer when your baby starts to crawl and climb up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots have a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will increase with your child's growth This is extremely practical and a great safety measure. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to sit up in their beds.
When you put your child in their cot, check that there is no visible danger. It must be away from heat sources and windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, make sure to look for any potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They may peel off and cause danger.
If you're not sure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for advice or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you begin using it, and be sure to follow the safe-use instructions closely.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the mix of natural wood and white, as well as the clever features like drawers under the bed for everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappy and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to build with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).
The teething rails are among our top features. They keep your baby from hitting their head on the side of the crib or any protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also stop them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from getting suffocated. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant. We are thrilled that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the main specifications below each product.
Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed when they're ready to transition. They can be more expensive than cribs.
If your nursery is small, you might want to consider 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 if you require a bed that will last longer, you should opt for a crib.
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 covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats should not be too far apart to prevent your baby from falling out.
Stores
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It's important to consider storage when choosing a cot-bed. A number of cots have additional storage solutions available 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, extending their use for a longer 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 easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This also allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.
Some cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dummies along with other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organised, neat and tidy and also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.
A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will help prevent your little one chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.
This is a great option for those who have limited space but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You may have to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because 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 to keep all the baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. Our panel was able to find 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 bed when your child is ready, which means it's a good investment too.