How to Choose the best cot beds - click here to investigate, for Your Baby

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

This simple but stylish coffin is our top choice from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and a storage drawer. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot newborn cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a soft, breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps which could cause a suffocation risk. There are a variety of mattresses available on the market including coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

If you choose a convertible or standard cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which must be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child will not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

If you're not sure which mattress to buy, consult your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Look for ones that are air-conditioned, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

In terms of style there's a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel joyful and cheerful when they awake.

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

Choose a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. This information is found in the product description and the specifications.

Safety

When selecting a cot, a safe sleeping environment should be a priority. The mattress should fit snugly and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the edges or sides of the cot or cot-bed (large gaps could restrict the child's arms or head). Check that it's 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, from simple foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features a drop-side, make sure it is secured and in the upward position.

Drop sides should only be permitted down when an adult is present in the room. This will prevent accidental releases. If your cot has a solid end be sure to avoid placing it against the wall since it will block airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted edges may be safer because they allow for greater airflow.

If your cot is set to one side, you should choose it. It's the safest option for your baby when they start to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, it is a sign that they are ready to move into a junior bed.

Some cots come with an option that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a great safety measure and enables your child's cot to grow with the child. Some cots have adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who love to stand up.

When placing your child's cot be sure that there aren't any obvious dangers. It should be kept away from heaters and power points. Also be sure to keep it away from windows, curtains, and blind cords. These can all present a strangulation threat. If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece 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 about how to use your cot safely you can ask parents around or go to the local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot sales comes with a manual be sure to go through it prior to using it and follow all the directions.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed, with its sleigh-style design will look amazing in your nursery. The panel was awed by the mix of natural wood and white and the innovative features like drawers under the bed for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappies and an impressive array of baby clothes. It's also easy to put together with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see the product description for more details).

The teething rails are among our most loved features. They stop your child from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any other protruding part of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also prevent children from chewing on the wood and preventing them from being suffocated. The cot also has a drop-side for easier access to your infant. 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 meets the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready to transition. However, they may be pricier upfront than the standard crib.

If your nursery is small, you might think about the possibility of a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However should you be planning to spend a lot of your baby's time in the room or you need an item that lasts longer, you should consider a cot.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattresses' thicknesses, materials, and other important elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats should not be too close together to ensure that your baby won't fall out.

Storage

Whether you're a first-time parent or a veteran the amount of things the baby will require is immense. It is important to think about storage when choosing a cot-bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage solutions available like drawers under the bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some can even be adapted into a toddler bed or a single bed, which can extend their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cot beds can be further adapted into a day bed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who prefer more flexible designs as the conversion process is fairly simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This will allow parents to reduce the expense of the purchase of a separate bed.

A variety of mini cot beds beds have a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.

Another desirable feature to look for is a teething rail that comes with some cots. This can help to prevent your little one chewing on the wood that can cause irritation. Some cots are designed with an older style and include a large under-bed storage drawer that is ideal to store blankets, toys, clothes and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea for when you're short on space, it's important to be aware that you'll require a separate extra drawer. You may also need to purchase a different mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the mini cot beds.

This sleigh-style cot bed stunning example of Scandi style at its finest. It features a huge under-bed storage area that is ideal to keep baby's essentials away from view but easily accessible. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together thanks to the alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready, which means it's good value too.