7 Things About Cot Beds You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a baby it is essential to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your baby. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

This minimalist, stylish coffin is our top pick from the Anyday collection by John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot bed keeps babies comfortable and cozy. Look for a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could pose an suffocation threat. There are a variety of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and even natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It should provide adequate support and promote an upright posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats need to be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child does not get caught when they move in their sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they aid in regulating your body temperature and less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

When it comes to fashion, there's a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is perfect if you want your child to wake up feeling fresh and content!

You'll find most cots have a drawer underneath for storage as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also purchase a drop-side for babies who aren't tall enough or have medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

For extra peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and can easily transform into a toddler bed when the time is right. This information is available in the description of the product and the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot an environment that is safe for sleeping should be the top priority. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could trap the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is firm and thin - thicker mattresses aren't recommended, since they could increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has a drop-side, make sure it is locked and in the up position.

Drop sides should only be allowed to go down when an adult is present in the room. This prevents accidental release. Avoid placing your cot on a wall if it has an end that is solid. This can hinder airflow and could result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends may be safer since they permit more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side, opt for this as it is the most secure option when your child starts to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to move into a junior bed.

Some cots are equipped with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a fantastic security feature that allows your child's cot to grow with their needs. Some cots also have footplates that are adjustable, which is ideal for toddlers who wish to sit up in their bed.

If you are putting your child in their cot, make sure that there isn't any obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters and windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture be sure to look for any hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that may be removed and create the risk of.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot safely you can ask other parents or visit a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and then follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This stunning cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the mix of natural wood and white as well as the innovative features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all baby essentials, like bedding, nappies, and a huge selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be transformed into a bed for toddlers and a desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for details).

One of our favourite features are the teething rails that protect your baby from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any protruding part of the cot like a handle or a corner post.  top rated cots  help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming trapped. It also has an opening that can be dropped to make it easier for access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted into an infant bed, and it's built to last up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which you'll find in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready which means you don't have to worry about purchasing a bed until they're ready to move on. They can be more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery is small, you might want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However should you be planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in the room, or if you need a bed that will last longer, you should choose a cot.

If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards outlined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials, and other essential elements in baby cot mattresses) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too wide apart to prevent your child from falling out.

Stores

Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of items a baby needs is staggering. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. A number of cots have additional storage options like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into an infant bed or a small single bed to extend their use.

Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is fairly simple and requires just the removal of a side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.

Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins, Dummies along with other small objects. This helps to keep everything organized, neat and tidy - and it also looks amazing. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for parents to feed their child.

A teething rail is an additional important feature that's included in some cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with more traditional designs and include a large storage drawer under the bed, which is perfect for clothes, toys, blankets and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea for when you're running out of space, it's important to be aware that you'll need to buy a separate extra drawer. It is also possible to purchase a different mattress and bedding, as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the cot.

This sleigh-style cot bed an exquisite illustration of Scandi style at its finest. It has a large under-bed storage area that is ideal for keeping all baby essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. Our panel found it very easy to put together, thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it's good value too.