Notes

5 Things That Everyone Doesn't Know About Cot Beds
How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it is essential to select the right cot that is secure and safe for your little one. Find a cot which has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet elegant coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and an storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress fits snugly to avoid any gaps, which could pose a suffocation risk. There are a range of mattresses available including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the best one for your baby's requirements.

It doesn't matter if you pick a conventional cot or a convertible, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It should provide adequate support and promote a healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which must be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, so your child doesn't get stuck in them while they move during sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or browse online reviews. Choose a mattress that is breathable, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

When it comes to fashion there's a variety of styles, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful when they awake.

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath teething rails to prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can even purchase a drop side for smaller babies or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

For added peace of mind, look for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Look for this information in the product description or in the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, an environment that is safe for sleeping should be a priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Make sure it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some even come with anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go down when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. If your coffin has a solid bottom be sure to avoid placing it against the wall because this will restrict airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted edges may be safer because they allow for greater airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it will be safest when your child begins to crawl and climb up. When your child is confidently climbing 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 wonderful security measure that allows your child's cot to grow with them. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who like to stand up.

When placing your child's cot, make sure there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be placed away from power and heater points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. All of these could pose a strangulation risk. When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to look out for potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. These can peel off and create a risk.

If you're not sure how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual ensure that you read it before using it and follow all the directions.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and an enviable assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to build with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler bed or desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They stop your baby from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, such as the corner post or handle. They also prevent them from chewing the wood and also preventing them from suffocating. It also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your infant. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to a toddler bed, and it is sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the main specifications below each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This allows you to avoid purchasing a new bed as your child gets ready to move up. They may cost more than a crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best option for you as it is smaller and takes up less space. However, if great crib is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' rooms or you want a longer-lasting 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 essential elements of baby mattresses for cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too wide apart to prevent your child from falling out.

Storage


The amount of baby equipment you'll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. This is why it's crucial to think about storage options when selecting the right crib bed. Some cots come with additional storage options, including drawers underneath the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to increase their use.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as shown 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 only requires the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of the purchase of a separate bed.

A few cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks great. Being able to access these items makes it easier for parents when feeding their infant.

Another feature worth looking out for is a teething rail that comes with some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed with more traditional designs and come with a large drawer under the bed that is ideal to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby necessities.

This is a great choice if space is an issue, but you will have to purchase a drawer on your own. You may need to buy bedding and a mattress separately, as oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great to keep baby necessities out of sight but still within reach. Our panel found it very straightforward to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth, and can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.

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