How to Choose the best cots uk Cot Beds for Your Baby
When you are expecting a baby, it is important to select a cot which can provide security and safety for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, rather than drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.
Our top pick is this simple yet elegant cot from John Lewis’ Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It’s also simple to put together with clear instructions.
Comfort
The best crib newborn cot mattress keeps infants comfortable and warm. Look for a breathable soft, soft fabric. Make sure the mattress is fitted snugly to avoid any gaps that could pose the risk of the mattress becoming suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available: foam, coils springs, and natural materials for allergy-sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.
If you choose a standard or convertible cot, the most important thing to ensure comfort is a good-quality mattress that provides proper support and encourages healthy posture. The slats must be securely attached and not sliding. The slats must also be securely fixed to the frame, so that your little one doesn’t get trapped in them while moving during sleep.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online reviews. Make sure you choose a mattress that’s breathable, as they’ll help regulate temperature and are less likely to be a home for bacteria.
There are a variety of styles to choose from such as traditional sleighs, with elaborate details and modern, sleek designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is perfect when you want your child to wake up feeling fresh and content!
Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer, teething rails that prevent your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and height bases that are adjustable 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 for them to bend over.
Choose a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler’s bed when it is time. Find this information in the product description or in the specifications.
Safety
A safe sleeping environment is a must and a major consideration when choosing a cot. Make sure that the mattress is snug and has no gap between it and the cot/cot bed sides or ends (big gaps could trap your child’s head or arms). Verify that the mattress is not too firm and thin. Thick mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer mattresses made of different materials from foam to natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some have anti-microbial treatment. If your mattress has an inclined side, make sure that it is in the up position and secured.
A drop side should be allowed to go down only if an adult is present; this will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on walls if it has an end that is solid. This will restrict airflow, which can result in death of the coffin. Recent research suggests that slatted edges could be safer since they allow more airflow.
If your cot is fixed on one side, choose it. It will be the most secure choice for your child when they begin to crawl and pull themselves up. If your child is climbing with confidence tots and cots standing, it’s the time to upgrade to a junior bed.
Some cots are equipped with an option that allows the base to be raised to three different levels. This is a great security measure that allows the cot of your child to grow with their needs. Some cots feature footplates that can be adjusted to suit for toddlers who want to stand up.
When you put your child in their cot, check that there isn’t any obvious danger – it should be away from heaters or power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these are a strangulation hazard). When buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms, be sure to check for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and create a risk.
If you’re not sure how to use your cot in a safe manner you can ask parents around or go to a local NCT New Baby course for assistance and guidance. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you begin using it, and be sure to follow the safety-use guidelines carefully.
Style
With its stunning sleigh design This gorgeous cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers that can hold all those baby essentials like bedding, nappies and an enviable variety of baby outfits. It’s also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler bed and desk when your baby grows older (see the product description for details).
One of our favorite features are the teething rails that protect your little one from bumping their head on the side of the cot or any protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, which prevents them from getting trapped. The cot also has a drop-side to allow easier access to your newborn. We appreciate that the cot could be converted into a toddler bed and that it’s strong enough to last up to four years. It also met strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for each product.
Cot beds are usually larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready and you can avoid purchasing a bed when they’re ready to move on. They may cost more than cribs.
If your nursery is very small, a crib may be the best choice for you since it is smaller and occupies less space, but if your child is likely to spend much of their time in their parents’ bedroom or you’d like a more long-lasting bed, consider a cot.
If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which covers the thickness of mattresses, the materials used, and other essential elements of baby mattress cots) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats should not be too close together, to ensure your baby doesn’t get tossed out.
Stores
The amount of baby gear you need is overwhelming, whether you’re a new parent or an experienced one. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. A number of cots have additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some are even able to be converted to a toddler or a small single bed, extending their usability for longer.
Some cots can be converted into day beds, as seen here on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is an excellent option for those who prefer an edgier design. The conversion is simple and requires only the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.
Some cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to hang muslins and dolls and other small things. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks beautiful. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for parents to feed their child.
A teething rail is another desired feature that is found in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with a more traditional design and come with a large storage drawer under the bed that is ideal for clothes, toys blankets, and other baby necessities.
While this is a great idea for when you’re running out of space, you must be aware that you’ll need to buy a separate additional drawer. You may also need to buy a new mattress and bedding as oval mattresses and sheets aren’t typically included in the cot itself.
This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that’s ideal to keep baby’s essentials out of view but easily reachable. The alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions made it easy to put together for our panel. It’s suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is ready, meaning it’s a good investment too.