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How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby If you are expecting a baby it is essential to select a cot which will provide safety and security for your baby. Choose a cot that has fixed sides, instead of drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards. This simple but elegant coffin is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress positions, teething rails and storage drawers. It is also simple to put together and comes with clear instructions. Comfort The most comfortable cot beds keep babies comfy and cosy. Look for a breathable, soft fabric. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly, to prevent any gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation. There are many mattresses on the market – foam, coil springs and natural materials for allergy sufferers – so do your research and select the right one for your baby's requirements. Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible one, a comfortable mattress is crucial to ensure your comfort. It should provide adequate support and promote a healthy posture. The same is true for the slats, which must be secured and not sagging or bent. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame, so your little one doesn't get caught in them when moving in their sleep. If you're not sure which mattress to buy, ask your family and friends or consult online reviews for recommendations. Make sure you choose a mattress that's air-conditioned, as they'll help regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria. When it comes to style, there's a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate detailing to sleek, modern designs. Some are decorated with bright primary colors to make your child feel happy and cheerful as they awake. There are a lot of cots that have a drawer underneath for storage, teething rails to protect your baby from chewing on the sides of the cot and adjustable height bases for baby growth. You can also buy a drop-side for infants who are small or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult to bend over. For added peace of mind, search for a cot that meets the strict UK safety standards and can easily convert into a toddler bed when the time is right. Find this information in the product description or in the specifications. Safety A safe and secure sleeping environment is essential and a big aspect to consider when choosing a cot. The mattress should be snugly fitted and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the ends or sides of the cot or 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 advised as they may increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer a range of mattresses, ranging from basic foam to natural materials for allergy sufferers. Some contain anti-microbial treatments. If your cot features drop-sides, make sure it is locked and in the up position. A drop side should be allowed to fall when an adult is present; this will prevent accidental releases. Avoid placing your cot on walls if it has an end that is solid. This can restrict airflow, which can result in death of the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends may be safer because they allow for more airflow. If your crib has a fixed edge choose this option as it's safer when your child starts to crawl and climb up. When your child is climbing with confidence and standing, it's the time to upgrade to a junior bed. Some cots come with a feature that allows the base to be raised to three levels. This is a fantastic security measure that allows your child's cot to grow with their needs. Some cots feature adjustable footplates that are perfect for toddlers who love to stand up. If you are putting your child in their cot, make sure whether there is no visible danger. It must be away from heat sources, windows, power points and blind cords and curtains (these are a strangulation hazard). If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece Be sure to check for potential hazards to choking such as stickers and transfers that can be removed and create the risk of. If you're unsure of about how to use your cot, consult other parents for help or go to a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a manual, read it carefully before you start using it, and then follow the safety-use guidelines carefully. Style With its stunning sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look amazing in your nursery. Our panel was impressed by the combination of natural and white pine, as well as its smart features, including drawers under the bed to store all the baby necessities like nappies, bedding and a dazzling array of baby outfits. It's also a breeze to put together with clear instructions and separate packs of screws for each section. It can also be transformed into a toddler's desk and bed as your child grows older (see product description for more information). One of our favourite features are the teething rails which protect your baby from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which can also stop them from chewing on the wood, which prevents them from becoming in danger of being suffocated. There's also a drop-side to make it easier for you to access your newborn. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed, and that it's built to last for up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards, which can be found in the key specs beneath each product. Cot beds are generally bigger than cribs and can be converted into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed until they're ready to transition. They are more expensive than cribs. If your nursery is small, a crib may be the best option for you, as it's smaller and takes up less space, but if your child is likely to spend most of the time in their parents' bedroom or you'd like a more long-lasting bed, opt for a cot. If the cot you are using does not meet the UK safety standards set by BS EN 716 or BS 8509 (which cover mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of baby cot mattresses) It is unsafe for babies to sleep. The slats shouldn't be too far apart, to ensure that your baby won't fall off. Storage No matter if you're a first-time parent or a seasoned one the amount of items a baby needs is staggering. This is the reason it's important to consider the storage options when you choose a crib bed. Some cots have additional storage options, including drawers underneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Best cot for newborn can be transformed into a toddler or small single bed, extending their use for a longer time. Some cot beds can be further converted into a daybed, 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 easy and requires only the removal of one side panel. This lets parents save money on a separate bed. A variety of cot beds have hanging rails that can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This keeps everything neat, tidy and organised. It also looks great. These items are easily accessible to parents which makes it easier for them to feed their baby. Another desirable feature to look out for is a teething rail that comes in a few cots. This will stop your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which can cause irritation. Some cots are designed in an older style and have a huge under-bed storage drawer that is perfect to store blankets, toys clothing, and other baby essentials. This is a great solution if space is an issue but you'll need to purchase a drawer separately. You might need to purchase bedding and a mattress separately, as oval sheets and mattresses don't come with the cot. This sleigh cot bed by Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style in its finest and comes with a massive under-bed storage drawer that's ideal for keeping all those baby essentials out of sight but easily reachable. Our panel was able to find it easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions. It is suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your child is ready.