How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you are expecting your first child it is essential to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your baby. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.
This simple but elegant crib is our top pick from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars, and an storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed keeps infants comfortable and warm. Look for a breathable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps that could create the danger of suffocation. There are many mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. So do your research and select the best one for your baby's needs.
Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a mattress of high-quality that is supportive and promotes a healthy posture. The slats should also be securely attached and not sagging. The slats must also be secured to the frame, so that your child doesn't get stuck in them while they move during sleep.
If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, consult your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Make sure you choose a mattress that's breathable, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.
When it comes to style, there's a wide choice from classic sleigh styles with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. cot sale are even painted with bright primary colors, which is ideal when you want your little one to wake up bright and happy!
There are a lot of cots that have an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase a drop side for petite infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.
For extra peace of mind, search for a cot that meets the stringent UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the product description or in the key specifications.
Safety
A secure sleeping space is a must and a major factor when selecting a bed. The mattress should be able to fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Check that it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of a variety of materials including foam and natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the up position.
A drop side should be allowed to go down only when an adult is present, this prevents accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge do not place it against the wall because it will block airflow and could cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges could be safer as they allow for more airflow.
If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and climb up. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to move into the junior bed.
Some cots have a feature where the base can be raised to three different heights in order to expand with your child - this is very useful and is a security measure. Some cots come with footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who like to stand up.
When placing your child's cot, make sure there are no visible hazards. It should be kept away from any heaters or power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all pose a strangulation risk. If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and create danger.
If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely you can ask parents around or go to an local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a manual, make sure you read it before using it and adhere to the directions.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh design will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, and its smart features, including drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and a stunning variety of baby outfits. It's also easy to put together, with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more information).
One of our favourite features are the teething rails which protect your baby from bumping their head on the cot's side or any protruding part of the cot, such as handles or a corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being in danger of being suffocated. There's also an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which are listed in the main specifications beneath each product.
Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be turned 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 transition. However, they may be more expensive than a standard crib.
If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best choice for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space. However, if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents' room or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a crib.
A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too far apart, to ensure your baby doesn't fall out.
Storage
The amount of baby stuff you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. It's important to consider storage when you choose a cot. Certain cots offer additional storage options, like drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to increase their use.
Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.
A few cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dummies and other small items. This allows you to keep everything organized, neat and tidy and also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.
A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots. This can help to stop your child from chewing on the wood that could cause them irritation. Continuing are designed in a more traditional style and come with a large drawer under the bed that is perfect for storing toys, blankets clothes, and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you must be aware that you'll need to buy a separate additional drawer. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately, as oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.
This sleigh-style cot is stunning example of Scandi style at its finest. It has a spacious under-bed storage compartment that's ideal to keep all baby necessities out-of-sight but within easy access. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies as young as birth and can be converted into a toddler's crib when your child is ready.