15 Reasons You Shouldn t Ignore Cot Beds

How to Choose the best crib for newborn Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby it is essential to select the right cot that is safe and secure for your child. Choose a cot that has fixed sides (rather than drop-sides), which comply with strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but 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 beds keep children warm and cozy. Choose a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps that could pose a risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best baby cots one for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot one, a comfortable mattress is vital to your comfort. It should provide proper support and promote a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which must be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats need to be firmly connected to the frame to ensure that your child will not be caught when they move during sleep.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations or browse online reviews. Look for ones that are breathable, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

When it comes to fashion there's a variety of styles of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel happy and happy when they awake.

Most cots come with drawers underneath to store items as well as teething rails that protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot, as well as adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can even buy a drop side for smaller infants or those with health issues that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Look for a cot which meets the strict UK safety standard and can easily be converted into a toddler's bed when it's time. This information is found in the description of the product and the key specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is essential and a big aspect to consider when choosing a cot. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps could restrict your child's head or arms). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Mattresses that are thick could 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 have anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has an inclined side, make sure it is in the up position and locked securely.

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, avoid placing it against the wall as this will restrict airflow and could cause the death of a coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer because they allow for more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side you should choose this because it's safer when your child starts to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a great security measure that allows your child's cot to grow with them. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who like to stand up.

When putting your child's cot in the crib ensure there are no visible hazards. It should be kept away from any heaters or power points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. These can all present a strangulation threat. If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to look for any choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and create a risk.

If you're unsure of how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask other parents or visit the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your crib comes with a manual ensure that you go through it prior to using it and adhere to the instructions.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural and white wood as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything needed by babies, such as bedding, nappy and a wide selection of baby clothes. It's also easy to assemble, with concise instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed and desk when your child gets older (see the product's description for more details).

The teething rails are among our top features. They keep your child from hitting their head on the crib's side or any protruding part of the crib, such as the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing on the wood and preventing them from suffocating. It also features an opening that can be removed to allow parents to reach their newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a new bed when they're ready to move on. They may cost more than a crib.

If your nursery is small, you might want to consider the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your room, or if you need a bed that will last longer, you should opt for a crib.

A crib isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it does not 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 baby cot mattresses. The slats should not be too wide apart to stop your baby from falling out.

Storage

If you're a new parent or a veteran the amount of things a baby needs is staggering. This is why it's essential to consider storage options when selecting the right crib bed. Some cots have additional storage options, including 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 use for a longer time.

Some cots can be transformed into day beds, like the one shown here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an ideal option for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is easy and only requires the removal of a side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of a separate bed.

Some cot beds are equipped with hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and Dummies, as well as other small items. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another desirable feature to look for is a toothing rail that is available with cots. This will help keep your baby from chewing on the wood which could cause them irritation. Some best cots are designed with an older style and come with a large drawer under the bed that is perfect for storing toys, blankets, clothes and other baby essentials.

This is a great choice for those who have limited space but you'll need to purchase a drawer on your own. It is also possible to buy a new mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval are not typically included with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style in its finest and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's ideal to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler bed when your child is ready. This means it's also a good value.