How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby
If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that's safe and secure for your little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will be in line with UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this simple yet stylish coffin from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and an storage drawer. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best cot bed will keep infants comfortable and warm. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could pose an suffocation threat. There are many mattresses available on the market that include 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.
Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the primary factor to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, so 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. Choose a mattress that is breathable, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.
There are a myriad of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they wake up.
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate your child's growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for babies who are small or have health issues that make it difficult to bend over.
For top ranked cribs of mind, look for a cot that is compliant with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is right. This information is available in the product description as well as key specifications.
Safety
When choosing a cot a safe sleeping environment should be the top priority. The mattress should fit snugly 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 firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended, because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in various materials from foam to natural materials that are great for those suffering from allergies. Some even have an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the up position.
A drop side should only be allowed to fall when an adult is present; this will prevent accidental release. Avoid placing your cot against the wall if it is an end that is solid. This will hinder airflow and could lead to coffin death. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends could be safer as they allow for greater airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It's the most secure option for your child when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots come with an option where the base can be raised to three different heights to allow it to grow with your child This is extremely practical and a great security measure. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.
When you put your child in their cot, ensure that there is no obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters and windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms to look for any potential hazards to your child's safety such as labels and transfers. They can come off and cause danger.
If you're unsure of how to safely use your cot, ask other parents for help or go to a local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual be sure to read it before using it and follow all the directions.
Style
With its gorgeous sleigh style, this gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of natural and white pine, and its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and a stunning array of baby outfits. It's also easy to build with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product's description for more details).
The teething rails are among our most loved features. They keep your baby from hitting their head against the crib's side or any other protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also prevent children from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from being suffocated. There's also an opening that can be removed to allow you to get access to your baby. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the specifications that are listed under each product.
Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing an entirely new bed as your child gets ready to move up. They can be more expensive than a crib.
If your nursery is small, you might be considering the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However should you be planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your room or if you require an item that lasts longer, you should opt for a cot.
If a cot doesn't meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials, and other important elements in baby cot mattresses), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure your baby doesn't fall off.
Stores
The amount of baby gear you need is overwhelming, regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one. It's crucial to think about storage when selecting a cot. A number of 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 usefulness for a longer period of time.
Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the process of conversion is easy and only requires the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.
Some cot beds have a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies along with other small items. This makes everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks fantastic. The ease of access to these items makes it much easier for parents to feed their infant.
A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with an older style and come with a large storage drawer underneath the bed. It is perfect for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby necessities.
This is a great solution if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You may also have to buy a new mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets aren't typically included in the cot itself.
This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby's essentials out of view but still within reach. Our panel found it very straightforward to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for infants from birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's a good investment too.