How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your child. 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 choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot mattress keeps infants comfortable and warm. Look for a soft and comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause a suffocation risk. There are many types of mattresses available: coils springs, foam and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.
No matter if you choose a conventional cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is essential to comfort. It should provide proper support and encourage an ideal posture. This is also true for the slats, which should be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats must also be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move during sleep.
Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they help regulate your body temperature and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
When it comes to style there's a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with ornate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel joyful 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 adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even buy a drop side for petite babies or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
For added security, opt for a cot that is compliant with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily transform into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the description or in the specifications.
Safety
A safe sleeping environment is a must and a major factor when selecting a crib. Make sure the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gaps between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses 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 even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the upward position.
A drop side should only be allowed to fall only if an adult is present, this prevents accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has a solid end. This can restrict airflow, which can lead to coffin death. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges are safer since they allow for greater airflow.
If your cot has a fixed side choose this option 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 upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will increase with your child's growth which is extremely useful and is a safety measure. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who like to stand up.
Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure that there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources, windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.
If you're not sure how to use your cot safely, ask other parents or attend a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before using it, and follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
With its stunning sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel members loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its clever features, such as drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like bedding, nappies and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler's desk and bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).
One of our favorite features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head against the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being in danger of being suffocated. It also features an opening that can be removed to allow you to access your newborn. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into an infant bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the key specs beneath each product.
Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid buying another bed until they're ready to transition. They may cost more than a crib.
If your nursery is very small, a crib might be the best option for you as it is smaller and occupies less space. However, if your baby is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, consider a crib.
A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't 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 shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won't fall out.
Stores
No matter if you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one, the amount of stuff the baby will require is immense. It's important to consider storage when selecting a cot. Some cots have additional storage options, like drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to increase their use.
Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.
A few cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This makes everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items makes it easier for parents when feeding their baby.
Another thing to look for is a toothing rail that is available with some cots. This will help keep your baby from chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with an older style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer which is ideal to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby necessities.
While cots offers is a great idea if you're short on space, it's important to remember that you will require a separate extra for the drawer. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's good value too.