How To Save Money On Cot Beds How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

When you are expecting your first child, it is important to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your baby. Look for a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.


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

Comfort

The best cot mattress keeps infants comfortable and warm. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could create a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available: coils springs, foam and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the best one for your child.

No matter if you choose a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your ease of use. It must provide the right support and promote an upright posture. The slats should also be secured and not sagging. The slats must be securely attached to the frame, so that your child isn't caught in them when moving in their sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask your family members or friends or look up online reviews for recommendations. Make sure you choose a mattress that's ventilated, as they'll aid in maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

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

The majority of cots have an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

For added security, opt for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and will easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is right. Look for this information in the product description or key specs.

Safety

When choosing a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends 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, because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the upward position.

Drop sides should only be allowed down when an adult is present in the room. This will prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall since it can block airflow and could cause coffin death. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends may be safer because they permit more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side, opt for this as it will be safest 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 cots have a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a great safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with the child. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who want to stand up.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, check whether there is no obvious danger - it should be away from heaters and power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, be sure to check for 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 parents around or go to a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you read it before using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and an enviable variety of baby outfits. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product description for details).

One of our favorite features are the teething rails which protect your baby from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, such as the handle or corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting trapped. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your baby. We love that it can be converted into an infant bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready for the transition. They are more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best choice for you since it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you want a longer-lasting bed, you should consider a crib.

If cot sale does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of baby mattresses for cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats must not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Stores

If you're a new parent or a seasoned one the amount of items that a baby requires is overwhelming. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Some cots have additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted into a toddler bed or a single bed, extending their usability for longer.

Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of one side panel. It also lets parents save money on a separate bed purchase.

Some cot beds come with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies along with other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is a desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in more traditional designs and come with a large under-bed storage drawer that is perfect for storing blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea if you're short on space, it's important to keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate extra drawer. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding since sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but within easy reach. Our panel of experts found it straightforward to put together, thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler bed once your child is ready, meaning it's good value too.