It is also recommended by some experts that a cot with bars on all four sides is better, as it allows air to circulate freely while your baby sleeps. Most cot beds also have side rails that are around 84-87cm high in the highest position, which makes them challenging for shorter people to reach over. A cot bed with a drop-side will reduce this height, making it easier to reach your baby when the base is on the lowest position.

Additional storage – shop around for a cot with built-in storage compartments if you're limited on space. A good rule to bear in mind is that the lowest side of the cot shouldn’t be lower than the shoulder height of your baby. When testing bedside cribs, we consider size, ease of build and fitting, mattress quality and breathability, ease and safety of the drop-down side mechanism and other features, comfort for baby, design and quality, and whether it's worth the money. Avoid adding soft toys, pillows, cushions or quilts for babies under one year old, as these pose a suffocation risk. Duvets need to be avoided at this age as well, as these can make your baby too hot.

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This travel cot features two mesh sides, to ensure optimal air circulation and safe sleeping. The see-through mesh also offers parents a better view of baby while they nap. Storage & organisation Furniture Textiles Kitchenware & tableware Kitchens Lighting Decoration Rugs, mats & flooring Beds & mattresses Baby & children Smart home Bathroom products Laundry & cleaning Plants & plant pots Home electronics Home improvement Outdoor living Food & beverages Christmas Shop Shop by room Cot bumpers aren't generally recommended either because of the danger of suffocation and overheating.

Cot beds can be a pain to put together, even if you have more than one pair of hands and a reasonable level of DIY experience. The Baby Elegance Bedside Travel Cot is a 2-in-1 baby travel cot and bedside crib. It’s suitable from birth up to 15kg, so it’s just right for travelling with a baby. The removable bassinet layer is made for use from birth up to 9kg. Use the bassinet for a new-born in the standalone travel cot or in the co-sleeping setup. For older babies remove the bassinet for a deeper protective side panel. When choosing and testing these cots, we considered style and design, durability, innovation, comfort, convertability, storage and extra features, and whether they were worth for money. Height-adjustable base – You can adjust this as your baby grows, usually having a choice between three positions. When your baby is small, the mattress sits on the highest base level. The instructions usually recommend that the lowest position is the safest, and should always be used as soon as your baby starts to move about a bit and pull themselves up, which can be about eight months old.

We know that being a new parent can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are so many things to think about, from choosing the perfect crib to making sure your little one is safe and comfortable. That's why our cots are rigorously tested to meet the strictest safety standards. They're typically made from durable materials and have features that make them safe for babies and toddlers, like rounded edges and a low profile. Cot beds can also be converted into toddler beds or daybeds, which makes them a versatile option. Plus, some of our cots adjust to fit your little one as they grow. What are the standard sizes of IKEA cot beds? Before you part with your money, you can try a homemade alternative to bed guards. Place a rolled-up blanket or pillow under the outer edge of the mattress to raise it slightly – your toddler will have to roll up a small incline before they risk falling out. The Baby Elegance Bedside Travel Cot is a 2-in-1 baby cot and bedside crib. These travel cots are suitable from birth up to 15kg, so it’s just right for travelling with your little one.

It's safer to convert the cot to a junior bed so your child can't hurt themselves when escaping, rather than them spending hours in A&E with a possible concussion.The Baby Elegance Bedside Travel Cot is lightweight and easy to set up, with 7 feet for stability. 2 wheels allow easy mobility even once the cot has been set up. For a co-sleeping bedside crib, simply drop the side of the cot and connect the safety strap under your mattress. Sleeping with a baby within arm's reach is perfect for night-time feeds and bonding.

The Department of Health and The Lullaby Trust say the safest place for your baby to sleep in the first six months is in a cot in your room". Keep the cot away from curtains and blinds The strings and cords are another potential strangulation hazard. These can also give your baby something to hold on to and potentially help them climb out of the cot.

Some items added to a cot may increase the risk of head-covering and can also increase the risk of accidents. This is due to the risk of suffocation and/or strangulation, as well as the chance that they could be used to climb on when your baby becomes more mobile. Don't use too much force Never bang wooden dowels in with a hammer as they can go straight through to the other side of the wood. Splitting the headboards and footboards when you convert the cot to a bed can be really tough. The instructions usually say you should ‘simply pull it apart’, but as you do this take care not to break the wooden dowels that hold the pieces together.