How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you’re expecting a baby it’s crucial to select the right cot that is secure and safe for your little one. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this simple yet stylish coffin from John Lewis’ Anyday range. It comes with three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is snug to prevent any gaps which could pose an suffocation threat. There are many types of mattresses available - foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to find the ideal mattress for your child.

If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the key to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The slats should also be securely attached and not sliding. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame so that your child isn’t stuck in them while they move during sleep.

If you’re not sure what mattress to buy, ask your family members or friends or look up online reviews for suggestions. Look for ones that are breathable, as they’ll help maintain temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.

In terms of style there’s a broad selection of styles, from traditional sleigh designs with intricate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are even painted in vibrant primary colours which is great when you want your little one to wake up feeling bright and content!

Most cots come with drawers underneath to store items, teething rails to protect your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby’s growth. You can also purchase an extra drop-side for babies that are small or suffer from health issues that make it hard to bend over.

Choose a cot that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standard and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler’s bed when it’s time. This information is available in the description of the product and key specifications.

Safety

A safe and secure sleeping environment is a must and a major factor when selecting 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 could hold the child’s arms and head). Make sure the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, from simple foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some come with anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has an inclined side, make sure it is in the upward position and locked securely.

Drop sides should only be permitted down when an adult is present in the room. This can prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge, avoid placing it against the wall since it can block airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends are safer since they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, then you can choose it. It will be the safest option for your baby when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign they’re ready to transition into a junior bed.

Some cots have an option that allows the base to be raised up to three levels. This is a great safety measure and enables the cot of your child to grow with their needs. Some cots also have footplates that can be adjusted, which are ideal for toddlers who wish to stand up in their bed.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure that there isn’t any visible danger. It should be away from heaters or windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these are a strangulation hazard). If you’re purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture, check for hazards to choking such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and create danger.

If you’re not sure how to use your cot safely, ask other parents or attend the local NCT New Baby course for support and advice. If your cot comes with a guide, make sure you go through it prior to using it and follow all the instructions.

Style

With its stunning sleigh design This gorgeous crib will look stunning in your nursery. The panel was impressed with the combination of natural and white wood and the clever features such as drawers under the bed for everything essential for babies, including bedding, nappy and a huge selection of baby clothes. It’s also easy to build, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed as your child grows older (see product description for more information).

One of our most loved features are the teething rails which protect your baby from smacking their head against the cot’s side or any protruding parts of the cot, such as handles or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming suffocated. There’s also a drop-side to allow easier access to your baby. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it’s built to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds can be transformed into toddler beds when your child is old enough. This allows you to not have to buy an entirely new bed as your child gets ready to go up. However, they are pricier upfront than a crib that is standard.

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

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 babies. The slats shouldn’t be too close together, to ensure that your baby won’t fall off.

Stores

The amount of baby stuff you need is overwhelming, whether you’re a new parent or an experienced one. This is the reason it’s important to think about storage options when choosing the crib bed. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options, such as under-bed drawers or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single beds to expand their usage.

Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an unstructured design since the process of conversion is simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This lets parents save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.

A few cot beds have 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 great. These items are easily accessible to parents, making it easier for parents to feed their child.

Another desirable feature to look for is a toothing rail which is included with cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot’s wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with an older style and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed. It is perfect for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby essentials.

While this is a great idea for when you’re short on space, it’s important to remember that you will have to purchase an extra for the drawer. You may have to purchase an additional mattress and bedding because oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that’s perfect to keep baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to assemble for our panel. It’s suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler’s bed once your child is ready.