The Biggest Issue With Cot Beds, And How You Can Solve It

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

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

Our top choice is this simple but stylish coffin from John Lewis’ Anyday range. It has three mattress positions, teething bars and storage drawers. It’s also easy to set up with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot Bed cot beds keep baby’s warm and comfortable. Look for a soft and breathable fabric and make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps which could cause the risk of suffocation. There are a variety of mattresses available – foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the most suitable one for your child.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a conventional cot or a convertible cot, a good mattress is vital to your comfort. It must provide the right support and encourage a healthy posture. The same applies to the slats, which should be firmly attached and not bent or sagging. The slats need to be securely attached to the frame to ensure that your child does not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

If you’re not sure what mattress to buy, consult friends and family or check online reviews for recommendations. Select mattresses that are breathable, since they help you regulate your body temperature and are less likely to hold bacteria.

When it comes to style there’s a variety of styles, from traditional sleigh styles with ornate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted in bright primary colors which is perfect for those who want their little one to wake up bright and content!

There are a lot of cots that have an under-bed drawer for storage, teething rails to protect your baby from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases for infant growth. You can also buy an extra drop-side for babies that aren’t tall enough or suffer from health issues that make it difficult to bend over.

Find a cot that meets the strict UK safety standard and can easily be transformed into a toddler’s bed when it’s time. Look for this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot, the safety of your child’s sleep should be the top priority. Make sure the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot/cot bed’s sides or ends (big gaps could keep your child’s head from being caught in the arms). Check that the mattress is firm and thin. Mattresses that are too thick could increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a choice of mattresses, from simple foam to natural substances for allergy sufferers. Some come with anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has a drop side, ensure that it is in the up position and secured.

Drop sides should only be permitted down when an adult is in the room. This will prevent accidental release. If your coffin has a solid edge do not place it against the wall because it will block airflow and may contribute to coffin death. Recent research suggests that slatted ends could be safer because they allow for more airflow.

If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the most secure option for your baby as they start to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it’s time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with 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 come with adjustable footplates that are ideal for toddlers who love to stand up.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, ensure that there isn’t any obvious danger – it should be away from heaters and power points, windows, blind cords and curtains (these can be strangulation hazards). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, make sure to look for any dangers to your child’s health such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and pose a danger.

If you are unsure what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for advice or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with instructions, read them carefully before using it, and then follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design, this gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its smart features, including under-bed storage drawers to keep all those baby essentials like nappies, bedding and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It’s also simple to put together with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler’s desk and bed as your child grows older (see product description for more information).

The rails for teething are one of our favorite features. They stop your baby from hitting their head against the crib’s side or any other protruding part of the crib, like the corner post or handle. They also stop them from chewing on the wood and also preventing them from suffocating. There’s also drop-sides to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We love that it can be converted to an infant bed, and that it’s built to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which are listed in the main specifications beneath each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be transformed into toddler beds once your child is ready which means you don’t have to worry about purchasing a bed until they’re ready to move on. However, they are more expensive upfront than the crib that is standard.

If your nursery is small, a crib could be the best option for you since it is smaller and takes up less space, but if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents’ rooms or you’re looking for a more durable bed, opt for a cot.

If a cot doesn’t meet the UK safety standards as defined by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials, and other essential elements of baby mattresses for cots) it is not safe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too far apart to stop your child from falling out.

Storage

The amount of baby stuff you’ll need is overwhelming regardless of whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned one. It is important to think about storage when selecting 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 are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small single bed, increasing their usefulness for a longer period of time.

Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed as shown on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great option for those who like the flexibility of a design. The conversion is easy and only requires the removal of a single side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of the purchase of a separate bed.

A variety of cot beds feature a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins dummies and other small items. This makes it easier to keep everything organised, neat and tidy – and it also looks fantastic. These items are easily accessible to parents and make it easier for them to feed their baby.

A teething rail is an additional important feature that’s included in some cots. This will help stop your child from chewing on the wood which could cause irritation. Some cots are designed in a more traditional style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer which is perfect to store blankets, toys clothes, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great option if you’re running out of space, you must be aware that you’ll need to buy a separate extra drawer. It is also possible to buy a new mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets are not typically included with the cot itself.

This sleigh cot bed from Stokke is a stunning example of Scandi-style in its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that’s great to keep baby necessities out of sight but within easy reach. Our panel of experts found it easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be made into a toddler’s crib when your child is ready.