15 Amazing Facts About Cot Beds

How to Choose the best baby cots Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a child it is crucial to choose a cot that will provide safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that meet strict UK safety standards.

This simple but stylish cot is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars, and storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The Best Cot Bed cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could pose a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available: coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the ideal mattress for your child.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The slats should also be secured and not sliding. The slats should also be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child does not be caught when they move in their sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, consult friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they will help regulate your body temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

There are a variety of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel cheerful and cheerful when they awake.

You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can even purchase a drop side for smaller babies or those with health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. This information is available in the description of the product and the key specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is an essential factor when selecting a cot. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps could hold the child's arms and head). Check that it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of a variety of materials, from foam to natural materials that are suitable for those suffering from allergies. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure it is in the upward position and secured.

Drop sides should only be allowed down when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental releases. If your cot has a solid end do not place it against the wall because it can block airflow and could cause coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer as they allow more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the most secure option for your baby when they begin to crawl and pull themselves upward. Once your child is standing and climbing, this is a sign they're ready to move into a junior bed.

Some cots and tots come with an option that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a fantastic safety measure and enables your child's cot to expand with their needs. Some cots have footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who like to stand up.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure that there isn't any visible danger - it must be away from heat sources, windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). When purchasing second-hand furniture, or heirlooms, make sure to look out 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 what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for advice or attend a local NCT New Baby class. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you go through it before using it and follow the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh design will look fantastic in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of natural and white pine, as well as its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including bedding, nappies and an enviable array of baby outfits. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed or desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for more details).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They keep your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding portion of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also stop children from chewing on the wood and preventing them from getting suffocated. It also features a drop-side to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it's built to last for up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds when your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed until they're ready to transition. They are more expensive than a crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib may be the Best cot for newborn choice for you since it is smaller and takes up less space, but should your baby be expected to spend most of the time in their parents' room or you're looking for a more durable bed, you should consider a cot.

If a cot does not meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers mattress thicknesses, materials, and other essential elements in baby Mini Cot Bed mattresses) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too close together to ensure that your child doesn't fall out.

Storage

The amount of baby gear you'll need is a mess whether you're a new parent or a seasoned one. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Many cots come with additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Certain cots can be transformed into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their use.

Some cots can be transformed into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an edgier design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.

A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks beautiful. Having easy access to these items makes it much easier for parents when feeding their child.

A teething rail is another desirable feature that is included in some cots. This will help keep your baby from chewing on the wood which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and come with a large under-bed storage drawer which is perfect to store blankets, toys clothes, and other cheap baby cots for sale necessities.

While this is a great idea if you're short on space, it's important to be aware that you'll need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. You might need to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep baby necessities 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 once your child is ready, which means it's good value too.