Cotbeds can be used from birth until your child is around five or six years old meaning that you don't have to buy a basket, cot or toddler bed. The other big advantage is that because you simply modify your child's existing bed the transitions from one bed to another that can normally be quite traumatic can be smooth and relatively stress free. As with most baby products there is a huge choice on offer within the market and so a little bit of research before you spend any money will help to choose the product that is right for your baby and you.
Initially your baby will be spending most of his day in his cot bed so it is not a decision that you can take lightly. This item of furniture is also designed to be used for a number of years and so along with the safety aspects you need to consider the style and 'fit' with your home decor.

Adjustable Mattress Positions
It is important that you have the ability to adjust the mattress height as your baby grows. You should be looking for a cotbed that has 2 or 3 different settings for the mattress height. At the start you will want the top position as this provides you with the easiest access to your little one. Once your baby starts to push up onto their hands and knees unaided you will need to move the base down for additional safety. The sides of the cotbed should be at least 500mm higher than the mattress when it is in its lowest position.

Dropsides or Fixed Sides
This is mostly a personal decision but if you should be particularly petite or have a back condition then a dropside cotbed can be beneficial and desirable. If you choose a dropside get one with a one-handed operation that is simple to use with latches that cannot be reached by your child.

Mattress
Ventilation is vital as it is important that there is a constant flow of air around your baby's head. As you should always be putting your baby to sleep in the 'feet to foot' position it means that you will require a ventilation system in both the head and mid section of the mattress. Another very important factor is that the mattress must fit snugly into the frame. If you push the mattress to the side of the cot then there should not be more than a 4cm gap to the side railings. Useful features to look for are a wipe clean surface, removable and reversible covers. It is also worth noting that you will need to purchase cot bed bedding and not bedding designed for cots otherwise it will not fit.

Teething Rails
When a baby begins teething it is natural for them to chew on the edges of their cot. Teething rails will act to protect a baby's teeth during this stage as well as to prevent any damage to the cotbed itself.

Spaces Between the Slats
Babies are inquisitive and have no problems getting stuck in gaps and holes so you need to pay attention to the distance between the spaces of the slats. It is recommended in the UK that the size of the spaces between the gaps in the railings be between 45-65mm and that the base slat gaps be no more than 60mm wide.

Finish and Build Quality
Make sure you choose a sturdy cotbed. Should you put together the cotbed yourself then check that all of the nuts, bolts and fittings are present and that they are tightly fastened when in place. If corner posts are present they must not be higher than 1.5mm and avoid any cotbed that has sharp edges or where the wood has been splintered. Any finishes that have been applied to the cotbed should be non lead based and be non toxic.