10 Beautiful Images To Inspire You About Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

This minimalist, stylish coffin is our top choice from the Anyday range by John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawer. It's also simple to put together with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Choose a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress fits snugly to prevent any gaps which could create an suffocation threat. There are a range of mattresses available - foam, coil springs and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers - so do your research before deciding on the right one for your baby's needs.

Whether you opt for a convertible or standard cot, the primary factor to satisfaction is a high-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The slats must be secured and not sagging. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, so your child doesn't get trapped in them while moving in their sleep.

If you're unsure of the mattress to buy, ask friends and family or check online reviews for suggestions. Look for ones that are breathable, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbor bacteria.

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

You'll find most cots have drawers underneath to store items as well as teething rails that protect your child from chewing on the side of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can also buy a drop-side for babies who are small or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

For added peace of mind, look for a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into an infant bed when the time is right. Look for this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is an essential consideration when choosing a crib. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can hold the child's arms and head). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in a variety of materials from foam to natural materials that are good for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your crib has an inclined side, make sure it is in the upward position and secured.

A drop side should only be allowed to go down when an adult is present, to prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against the wall if it is a solid end. This will limit airflow, which could result in death of the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends may be safer because they permit more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed side, opt for this as it will be safest when your child starts to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they are ready to move into a junior bed.

Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a wonderful security feature that allows your child's cot to expand with the child. Some cots come with adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who want to stand up.

If you are putting your child in their cot, make sure whether there is no visible danger. It must be kept away from heaters, windows, power points and curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to look out for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfers. They may peel off and create a risk.

If you're unsure of what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for help or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has a manual, read it carefully before using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of white and natural wood and the clever features like drawers under the bed for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappy and a huge selection of Baby Crib clothes. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate sets of screws for each section. It can also be converted into a toddler desk or bed as your child grows older (see product description for more information).

The teething rails are among our top features. They prevent your baby from hitting their head against the side of the crib or any protruding portion of the crib, like the handle or corner post. They also prevent them from chewing the wood, and prevent them from getting suffocated. The cot also has an opening that can be removed to allow you to access your newborn. We love that the cot for sale can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last for four years. It also complies with strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the key specs below 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 new bed until they're ready to move on. They are more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best cot bed choice for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space, but if your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in their parents' room or you want a longer-lasting bed, consider a crib.

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

Storage

The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a new mom or a seasoned one. This is the reason it's important to consider the storage options when you choose a crib bed. Many cots come with additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to extend their usage.

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 like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is simple and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed purchase.

A number of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This helps keep everything neat, tidy and organized. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for them to feed their baby.

Another thing to look for is a teething rail that is available with cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which can cause irritation. Some cots come with a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer underneath the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea if you're short on space, you must keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate additional drawer. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding because oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of Scandi-style at its best and features a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but still within reach. The alphabetically labeled pieces and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for infants as young as birth and can be made into a toddler's bed once your child's ready.