How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a baby it's crucial to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your child. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this simple yet elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It's also easy to assemble with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed will keep children comfortable and warm. Look for a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could pose the danger of being suffocated. There are many mattresses on the market - foam, coil springs and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the best one for your baby's needs.
If you choose an ordinary or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. This is also true for the slats, which should be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be secured to the frame so that your little one doesn't get stuck in them while they move during sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or browse online reviews. Make sure you choose a mattress that's ventilated, as they'll aid in to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.
There are small cot beds of styles to pick from, including traditional sleighs with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel joyful and cheerful as they awake.
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who are small or suffer from health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.
For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. This information is found in the product description and the key specifications.
Safety
A safe sleeping environment is essential and a big factor when selecting a cot. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gaps between it and the cot's bed sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child's head from being caught in the arms). 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 has a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the up position.
A drop side should be allowed to drop only when an adult is present; this prevents accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall since this will restrict airflow and can cause coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they allow for more airflow.
If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it will be safest when your baby starts to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.
Some cots have features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights in order to grow with your child - this is very convenient and an added safety measure. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who like to stand up.
When you place your child's cot be sure that there aren't any visible dangers. It should be kept away from any heaters or power points. Also make sure it is away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could create strangulation risks. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to check for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and pose a danger.
If you're unsure of how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for help or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look stunning in your nursery. most recommended cribs loved the mix of white and natural pine, and its clever features, such as drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding, and an enviable array of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler bed or desk when your baby grows older (see the product's description for more details).
One of our favorite features is the teething rails which protect your little one from bumping their head against the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot like the handle or corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from being in danger of being suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow parents to reach their newborn. We love that it can be converted to a toddler bed, and it's built to last up to four years. It also complies with the stringent UK safety standards, which you'll find in the key specs beneath each product.
Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a new bed when they're ready for the transition. However, they are more expensive than the standard crib.
If your nursery is small, you might think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and takes less space. However should you be planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in the room or if you require a bed that lasts longer, you should opt for a cot.
A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other key elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too close together to ensure your baby doesn't get tossed out.
Storage
The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a new mom or a seasoned one. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options, such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler or small single bed, extending their usefulness for a longer period of time.
Some cots can be transformed into day beds, as shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer a less rigid design as the process of conversion is easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to save on the cost of a separate bed.
A few cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, Dummies, and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy - and it also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their infant.
A teething rail is an additional desired feature that is found in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot which can cause irritation. Some cots come with more traditional designs and come with a large storage drawer beneath the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, baby necessities.
This is a great solution when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You may also have to purchase a different mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot.
This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a lovely example of the Scandi-style at its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is ready. This means it's also a good value.