How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
When you are expecting your first child it is essential to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.
This minimalist, elegant cot is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot mattress keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Choose a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, to avoid any gaps that could create a risk of suffocation. There are many types of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.
If you choose a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes a healthy posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats need to be securely fixed 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 look at online reviews. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they will help regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to harbor bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to choose from, including traditional sleighs with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is perfect when you want your little one to wake up feeling fresh and happy!
Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase drop sides for small babies or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
Choose a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler's bed when it's time. Find this information in the product description or in the specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping is a must. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Check that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.
A drop side should be allowed to drop only when an adult is present - this prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has an end that is solid. This will limit airflow, which could cause death in the coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends are safer since they allow for greater airflow.
If your cot is fixed to one side, you should choose it. It's the safest option for your child when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign they're ready to move into a junior bed.
Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a fantastic safety measure and enables your child's cot to expand with them. Some cots have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their beds.
When putting your child's cot in the crib be sure that there are no visible hazards. It should be placed away from heaters and power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and create a risk.
If you're unsure about how to use your cot safely you can ask parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual be sure to go through it before using it and adhere to the directions.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh style will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like bedding, nappies and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see product description for more details).
One of our favorite features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from smacking 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 can also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being suffocated. It also has a drop-side for easier access to your newborn. nursery cots are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last for up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the main specifications below each product.
Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a new bed until they're ready to move on. However, they may be pricier upfront than a standard crib.
If your nursery is small, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However should you be planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in the room or if you require an item that lasts longer, you should opt for a crib.
A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other essential elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats must not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't fall out.
Storage
Whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one, the amount of stuff that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is why it's crucial to think about storage options when selecting the crib bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, including drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler bed or a single bed, increasing their usability for longer.
Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed purchase.
Some cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies and other small things. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their child.
A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This can keep your baby from chewing on the wood that can cause irritation. Some cots feature a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer under the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby necessities.
While this is a great option if you're short on space, you must be aware that you'll need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot itself.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby necessities out of sight but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it easy to put together for our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready. This means it's good value too.