10 Reasons Why People Hate Cot Beds How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting a child it is crucial to choose a cot that will provide safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict 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 is also easy to put together, and comes with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot bed keeps children comfortable and warm. Choose a soft, comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could cause the risk of suffocation. There are many mattresses available on the market - foam, coil springs and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers. So do your research before deciding on the one that is suitable for your baby's needs.

Whether you opt for a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and promotes a healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which should be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be firmly fixed to the frame, so that your child does not become caught in the movement during sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to purchase, talk to your family and friends or consult online reviews for suggestions. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they can help you regulate your body temperature and less likely to hold bacteria.

When it comes to style there's a variety of styles from classic sleigh styles with ornate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful as they wake up.

You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the side of the cot and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can even purchase a drop side for petite babies or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For added peace of mind, search for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is right. This information can be found in the product description as well as key specifications.

Safety


A safe and secure sleeping environment is essential and a big factor when selecting a bed. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps can restrict the child's arms or head). Check that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies sell mattresses in various materials from foam to natural materials that are great for allergy sufferers. Some have 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 go down only when an adult is present, this prevents accidental release. If your cot has a solid end do not place it against the wall because it will block airflow and can cause coffin death. According to cheap cot beds , cots with slatted edges are safer since they allow for greater airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the most secure option for your baby as they begin to crawl and pull themselves upward. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to transition into a junior bed.

Some cots feature a feature where the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will expand with your child which is extremely practical and a great safety measure. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who love to stand up.

When placing your child's cot, make sure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. All of these could pose a strangulation risk. If you're buying second-hand or heirloom furniture, check for hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that can peel off and present a risk.

If you're not sure how to use your cot safely consult other parents or attend an local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you go through it before using it and follow the instructions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and a stunning array of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a toddler bed and desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for more details).

The teething rails are among our top features. They prevent your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop children from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from being suffocated. There's also an opening that can be removed to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below each product.

Cot beds can be turned into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This lets you not have to buy a new crib when your child is ready to make the leap. They may cost more than cribs.

If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best option for you as it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you're looking for a more durable bed, opt for a cot.

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers mattress thicknesses, materials, and other important elements in baby mattresses for cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Stores

No matter if you're a first-time parent or an experienced one the amount of things that a baby requires is overwhelming. This is why it's crucial to consider storage options when choosing the cot bed. Many cots come with additional storage options, such as under-bed drawers or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into an infant bed or a small single beds to expand their use.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen here 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 requires just the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a bed purchase.

Some cot beds come with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dolls, as well as other small objects. This helps to keep everything organised, neat and tidy - and it also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is a desirable feature that is included in some cots. This can help to prevent your little one chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots feature more traditional designs and have a huge storage drawer underneath the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, baby necessities.

While this is a great option if you're short on space, it's important to be aware that you'll require a separate extra drawer. You may need to buy a separate mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed a beautiful example of Scandi style at its best. It features a huge under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby's essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it simple to put together for our panel. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's also a good value.