The Biggest Issue With Cot Beds, And How You Can Fix It

How to Choose the best cot beds (index) for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose a cot that's secure and safe for your child. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.

Our top choice is this simple but stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps, which could cause the risk of suffocation. There are a range of mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the right one for your baby's needs.

No matter if you select a standard or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes healthy posture. The slats should also be firmly attached, and not sagging. The slats should also be firmly fixed to the frame, so that your child does not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, ask your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Look for ones that are ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

When it comes to fashion, there's a wide choice of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are painted in vibrant primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they awake.

There are a lot of cots that have an under-bed drawer for storage as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that are small or have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

Choose a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. This information is found in the product description as well as the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. 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 trap the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended, because they can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials including foam and natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is locked and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to fall only when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental release. If your cot has a solid end, avoid placing it against the wall since it can block airflow and could cause coffin death. According to the most recent research, slatted end cots could be safer as they allow for greater airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge, opt for this as it's safer when your baby starts 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 affordable cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights, so that it will grow with your child This is extremely practical and a great security measure. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who love to stand up.

If you are putting your child in their cot, ensure whether there is no visible danger. It must be kept away from heaters and power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look for any potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They may peel off and pose a danger.

If you're unsure about how to use your cot in a safe manner, ask other parents or visit a local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with an instruction manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the combination of white and natural wood, as well as the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers for all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also simple to construct with clear instructions and screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk or bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more information).

One of our most loved features are 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. They will also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting suffocated. There's also an opening that can be removed to allow you to access your newborn. We love that the cot can be transformed into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a new bed when they're ready for the transition. They can be more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your room or if you require a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a crib.

A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not meet the strict UK safety standards outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which covers mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other essential elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure your baby doesn't fall out.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is why it's essential to think about storage options when selecting the cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, like drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed to extend their usage.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save money on the purchase of a separate bed.

Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, dolls, as well as other small items. This helps keep everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items will make it much easier for parents when feeding their infant.

Another feature worth looking for is a toothing rail that comes with affordable cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots have a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes, blankets and other baby essentials.

This is a great choice if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot itself.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's perfect for keeping all those cheap baby cots essentials out of sight but within easy reach. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child's ready.