How to Choose the
Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that will be safe and secure for your child. Look for a cot that has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will meet UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this basic but stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.
Comfort
The
best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps which could create the risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the most suitable one for your child.
No matter if you select an ordinary or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats need to be securely fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child does not get caught when they move during sleep.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations, or read online reviews. Choose breathable mattresses, as they help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to hold bacteria.
When it comes to style, there's a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful as they wake up.
The majority of cots have a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even buy drop sides for small babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
Look for a cot which is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and is easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. Find this information in the description or key specs.
Safety
A secure sleeping space is a must and a major factor when selecting a cot. 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). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.
A drop side should be allowed to drop only if an adult is present - to prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid edge be sure to avoid placing it against the wall because it can block airflow and may contribute to coffin death. The latest research suggests that slatted ends may be safer as they allow more airflow.
If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it is the most secure option when your child begins to crawl and then pull themselves up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots feature a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to grow with your child - this is very convenient and an added security measure. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their beds.
When you put your child in their cot, make sure whether there is no obvious danger - it should be away from heaters or power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're buying furniture that is second-hand or an heirloom, check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and create the risk of.
If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely, ask parents around or go to an local NCT New
Baby beds course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it before using it and follow all the instructions.
Style
With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its clever features, such as drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It's also easy to construct, with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk or bed as your child gets older (see the product description for more information).
One of our favorite features is the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head on the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot like the handle or corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming suffocated. The cot also has drop-sides to allow parents to reach their newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and it's built to last for four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the main specifications below each product.
Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds if your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing an entirely new bed as your child gets ready to move up. They are more expensive than cribs.
If your nursery is small, you might be considering a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However should you be planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in your room or if you require a bed that will last longer, you should consider a cot.
If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements in baby mattresses for cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too wide apart to prevent your baby from falling off.
Stores
If you're a new parent or a seasoned one the amount of items a baby needs is staggering. This is the reason it's important to consider storage options when choosing the crib bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small single bed, which can extend their usability for longer.
Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer a less rigid design as the conversion process is fairly simple and involves the removal of a side panel. This lets parents reduce the expense of an additional bed.
Some cot beds are equipped with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, dummies along with other small objects. This allows you to keep everything organized tidy, neat and tidy and looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.
A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will help stop your child from chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and include a large under-bed storage drawer that is ideal for storing toys, blankets clothing, and other baby essentials.
While this is a great idea for when you're running out of space, you must remember that you will require a separate additional drawer. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding since sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the
Cot Bed itself.