How to Choose the best crib for newborn Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it is essential to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your baby. Find a cot with fixed sides (rather than drop-sides) that are in line with strict UK safety standards.

This simple but elegant coffin is our top pick from the Anyday range of John Lewis. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails, and a storage drawer. It is also simple to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best crib newborn cot beds keep baby's warm and comfortable. Look for a soft and comfortable fabric. Also, make sure that the mattress is snug to avoid any gaps, which could pose an suffocation threat. There are many mattresses available that include coil springs, foam and other natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers, so do your research and choose the one that is suitable for your baby's requirements.

Whatever you decide to use, whether a standard cot or a convertible cot the mattress is essential to comfort. It must provide the right support and promote a healthy posture. The same applies to the slats. They should be secured and not bent or sagging. The slats should also be securely attached to the frame so that your child does not become caught in the movement in their sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations or look at online reviews. Choose mattresses that are breathable, as they will help you regulate your body temperature, and are less likely to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

There are many styles to choose from that include traditional sleighs with ornate details and sleek, modern designs. Some are painted in bright primary colours to make your child feel happy and cheerful when they wake up.

Most cots come with an under-bed drawer for storage and teething rails to guard your baby from chewing on the side of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate baby's growth. You can even buy a drop side for petite infants or those with medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Find a cot that is compliant with the strict UK safety standards and is able to be easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it's time. This information is found in the product description and the specifications.

Safety

A safe sleeping environment is a must and a major factor when selecting a bed. Make sure the mattress fits snugly, with no gap between it and the cot/cot bed's sides or ends (big gaps can restrict your child's head or arms). Check that it's firm and thin. Thicker mattresses aren't recommended because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Many companies offer mattresses in different materials including foam and natural materials that are suitable for allergy sufferers. Some even come with an anti-microbial treatment. If your cot features drop-sides, ensure that it is locked and in the up position.

Drop sides should only be permitted to fall when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental release. Avoid placing your cot on the wall if it is a solid end. This can restrict airflow, which can cause death in the coffin. According to the most recent research, cots with slatted ends could be safer as they permit more airflow.

If your crib has a fixed edge you should choose this because it is the most secure option when your baby starts to crawl and pull themselves up. Once your child is confidently standing and climbing, this is a sign that they're ready to move into a junior bed.

Some cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different levels, so that it will expand with your child - this is very useful and is a safety measure. Some cots also have footplates that can be adjusted, which are great for toddlers who want to stand up in their bed.

When you put your child in their cot, check whether there is no obvious danger - it must be away from heat sources, power points, windows and blind cords and curtains (these pose a strangulation risk). If you are buying second-hand furniture or heirlooms to check for choking hazards such as stickers and transfers. These can peel off and cause danger.

If you're unsure of what you should do to use your cot, consult other parents for help or take part in a local NCT New Baby class. If your cot has instructions, read them carefully before you start using it, and then follow the safe-use instructions closely.

Style

With its beautiful sleigh design This stunning cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel loved the mix of white and natural pine, as well as its clever features, such as under-bed storage drawers to keep everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding and a stunning assortment of baby clothes. It's also easy to construct, with clear instructions and separate screws for each section. It could also be transformed into a toddler desk and bed when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

One of our most recommended cribs loved features are the teething rails, which shield your little one from bumping their head on the cot's side 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 becoming suffocated. There's also a drop-side to allow easier access to your baby. We appreciate that it is able to be converted to an infant bed, and that it's sturdy enough to last for four years. It also meets 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 converted into toddler beds when your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed until they're ready for the transition. However, they are more expensive upfront than a standard best crib.

If your nursery is small, you may be considering a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However should you be planning on spending a lot of your baby's time in your bedroom, or if you need an item that lasts longer, you should consider a crib.

A cot isn't suitable for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards set out in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other important elements of cot mattresses for babies. The slats shouldn't be too far apart to stop your baby from falling 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 consider storage options when selecting the right cot bed. Certain cots offer additional storage options, like drawers under the bed or a coordinating top changer (available separately). Some cots are able to be converted into a toddler bed or small single bed to increase their use.

Some cot Beds (peatix.com) can be adapted into a day bed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who like a more flexible design. The conversion is easy and requires only the removal of ONE side panel. This allows parents to save money on a separate bed.

A variety of cot beds come with a hanging rail which can be used to store muslins, dolls and other small objects. This keeps everything tidy, neat and organized. It also looks fantastic. Having easy access to these items will make it much easier for parents when feeding their infant.

A teething rail is a important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the cot's wooden structure, which could cause irritation. Some cots have more traditional designs and have a huge storage drawer under the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea if you're running out of space, you should keep in mind that you'll need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. It is also possible to buy a new mattress and bedding as sheets and mattresses that are oval aren't usually included in the cot itself.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a beautiful example of the Scandi-style at its finest and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's great for keeping all those baby cots online's essentials out of view but within easy reach. The alphabetically labeled components and clear instructions made it simple to assemble our panel. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child is ready.