14 Questions You Shouldn't Be Afraid To Ask About Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you are expecting a child it is crucial to choose a cot that will ensure safety and security for your baby. 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 elegant cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It has three mattress height positions, teething rails as well as a storage drawers. It's also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot mattress keeps children comfortable and warm. Look for a soft, airy fabric, and ensure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could create an suffocation threat. There are a variety of mattresses available - coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

No matter if you select an ordinary or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a mattress of high-quality that is supportive and encourages healthy posture. The slats must be firmly attached, and not 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. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to hold bacteria.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with intricate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with vibrant primary colours which is great for those who want their little one to wake up feeling bright and cheerful!

Most cots come with a drawer for storage underneath, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing on the sides of the cot and height bases that can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even buy a drop side for smaller babies or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over.

To ensure your peace of mind, look for a cot that complies with the stringent UK safety standards and will easily transform into an infant bed when the time is appropriate. This information is found in the product description as well as the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be a priority. Make sure that the mattress is snugly fitted, with no gap between it and the cot's beds edges or sides (big gaps can trap your child's head or arms). Check that it's solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't advised because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers and some even have anti-microbial treatment. If your cot has drop sides, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.

A drop side should be allowed to fall when an adult is present - this will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot against walls if it has a solid end.  cots offers  will restrict airflow, which can lead to coffin death. The latest research suggests that slatted ends could be safer since they permit more airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side choose this option as it's safer when your child starts to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is standing and climbing, it is a sign they're ready to move into a junior bed.

Some cots feature features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights in order to expand with your child - this is very convenient and an added safety measure. Some cots also have adjustable footplates, which are ideal for toddlers wanting to stand up in their bed.

When placing your child's cot, make sure there aren't any visible dangers. It should be put away from power and heater points. Also, keep it away from windows, curtains and blind cords. These can all create strangulation risks. If you're purchasing second-hand or heirloom furniture, check for dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose a risk.

If you're unsure of how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for help or go to an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before using it, and then follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

This gorgeous cot bed with its sleigh-style design will look fantastic in your nursery. The panel was impressed by the mix of natural wood and white as well as the clever features like under-bed storage drawers that can hold 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 could also be transformed into a toddler desk or bed as your child grows older (see product description for more information).

One of our favourite features are the teething rails that protect your baby from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot, like the handle or corner post. They also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting in danger of being suffocated. There's also drop-sides to allow you to get access to your baby. We love that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last up to four years. It also meets the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the key specs beneath each product.

Cot beds can be converted into toddler beds in the event that your child is old enough. This lets you avoid purchasing a new crib as your child gets ready to move up. They can be more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery is small, you may want to consider a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However, if you plan to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your room or if you require a bed that lasts 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 as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats must not be too wide apart to prevent your child from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby equipment you'll need is a mess regardless of whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one. It's crucial to think about storage when you choose a cot. There are a variety of cots that have additional storage options such as drawers in the under-bed or a coordinating cot top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single beds to expand their use.

Some cots are able to be converted into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an unstructured design since the conversion process is simple and requires just the removal of one side panel.  reference  allows parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.

Some cot beds come with a hanging rail that can be used to hang muslins and dolls along with other small things. This helps keep everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. 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 that is available in a few cots. This can prevent your little one chewing on the wood which could cause irritation. Some cots have an older style and include a large storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby essentials.

This is a great option when space is a problem however, you will need to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase a separate mattress and bedding since oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh-style cot is an exquisite example of Scandi style at its finest. 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 found it very easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.