How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a baby, it's important to choose a cot that's safe and secure for your little one. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

This minimalist, elegant coffin is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawers. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could pose an suffocation threat. There are many types of mattresses available - coils springs, foam, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. The slats need to be firmly attached, and not sliding. The slats must also be secured to the frame so that your child doesn't get caught in them when moving during sleep.

If you're not sure what mattress to buy, ask friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they aid in regulating your body temperature, and are less likely to hold bacteria.

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

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also purchase a drop side for petite babies or those with health issues 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 an infant bed when the time is appropriate. Find this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, the safety of your child's sleep is a must. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps could trap your child's head or arms). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot features drop-sides, ensure that it is secured and in the up position.

A drop side should be allowed to drop only when an adult is present, to prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid bottom do not place it against the wall since it can block airflow and could cause death in the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It will be the most secure option for your baby as they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed.

Some cots offers have a feature that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a great security measure that allows 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 obvious danger - it must be kept away from heaters, power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these are a strangulation hazard). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look for any choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and pose a danger.

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

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of white and natural pine, and its innovative features, like drawers under the bed to store all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It's also simple to put together, with concise instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. What's more, it can be transformed into a toddler bed and desk as your baby gets older (see the product description for details).

One of our favorite features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head on the cot's side or any other protruding parts of the cot like handles or a corner post. They can also stop them from chewing on the wood, preventing them from being trapped. The cot also has drop-sides to allow you to access your newborn. We are thrilled that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's strong enough to last up to four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for 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 buying another bed when they're ready to move on. However, they can be pricier upfront than the standard crib.

If your nursery is small, a crib might be the best option for you as it is smaller and takes up less space, but should your baby be expected to spend much of their time in their parents' bedroom or you want a longer-lasting bed, opt for a crib.

If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which refers to the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other key elements of baby mattresses for cots), it is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure that your child doesn't fall off.

Storage

Whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one, the amount of stuff a baby needs is staggering. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Many cots come with additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating cot top ranked cribs changer (available separately). Some can be transformed to a toddler or a small single bed, which can extend their usability for longer.

Some cot beds can be further transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer the flexibility of a design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of ONE side panel. This allows parents to save money on an additional bed.

A number of cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins Dummies, and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organised tidy, neat and tidy - and it also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another feature worth looking for is a teething rail which is included in a few 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 have a huge storage drawer under the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby necessities.

This is a great option for those who have limited space however, you will need to purchase a drawer on your own. 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 example of Scandi style at its best. It has a large under-bed storage space that is perfect to keep baby's essentials out-of-sight but within easy access. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together, thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be made into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.