Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect children from falling out of bed or becoming suffocated when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have four solid sides, which means you can be sure your child is secure at all times. Many cots are available in fixed-size and can be transformed into a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for smaller nurseries and can be fitted alongside parents' beds which allows parents to watch their child while they rest. They are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over the sides. But, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous and must be removed to prevent your child from falling off of the their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are typically circular in shape to reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure place for your baby to rest in. They are easy to transport and often come with castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features like teething rails or drawers but many are simple and basic. The best cots are made from natural materials since they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of any toys or pillows since they can create danger of suffocation for children who are still young.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of the cot that includes removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be turned into a toddler bed when your baby outgrows it. This feature is particularly useful if you are expecting to have more than one child because it eliminates the need to switch between different types of furniture and saves money by purchasing separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth until around two years of age depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back discomfort, a cot that has a drop-side is the best option. It won't require you to bend over the side. Back pain is a common issue for pregnant women and newly mothers, especially when they've had back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without having to lift them or worry about your back. But, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the cot is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child isn't able to climb out.
If you're not sure which cot is best for your child's needs We suggest getting in touch with us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can discuss your options. We can assist you in choosing a stylish, safe cot that will grow along with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being simple to construct. The mother tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct - extremely clear instructions with photos". It includes teething rails as well as a drawer to store things in and three different mattress height positions.
The cot is an excellent option for babies who sleep all night. You should make sure that the cot's slats and frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot has been certified as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models, and this led to dangerous designs being prohibited in the USA. Choose Full Statement that has an auto-locking drop side in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to pull the side down in order to climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics that are placed near the baby should be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the cot since they could strangle babies or cause them to hit their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's sturdy, this minimalistic crib bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It has a wide range of mattress positions and is easily transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a great choice for parents who have ceilings that slope, since it comes with lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until four years old. It features an unusual oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and can easily fit through standard door frames. By removing the bars, it is possible to transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that will create a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in stylish green and off-white. It's an excellent option for parents who appreciate longevity, since it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and turning into a twin bed for older children by taking out the front rails. It's also incredibly sturdy and comes with an storage drawer as well as teething rails, as well as a handy hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you want extra storage for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that will grow with them. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, allowing you to easily switch when your child is old enough to use them. Some have built-in drawers to store things, and some even come with a nappy changing station!
It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, and other things that your child will love. It also makes it easier to clean up by putting everything in one place. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips along the side too - perfect for teething babies!
If you're on a budget but still need a chic and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll be a good fit in any room. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base, allowing it to grow with your child. It can be made into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a selection of furniture that can be used with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to put together (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions were not clear) Once it's assembled, it is lightweight and sturdy. It also has an added bonus: a tilting feature that can help with colic or reflux. Plus, it's available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to other nursery furniture in the event that you want a coordinated style.
Cots with Storage
If you want your baby's bedding and toys out of sight but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage is ideal. The cots come with drawers to store the essentials. Some come with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.
Based on the design of your cot, you may be able to convert it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change and some be converted into a junior bed once your child is five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a member of the family for many years. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a chic cot which can be used for babies up to two years old. It also grows with your child. The classic cot is simple in design but offers plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionise the way that babies sleep and is backed up by the expertise of international sleep experts. The price is high and may not be within the budget of a lot of families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.