Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots stop children from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. A lot of cots are available in a fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed if your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for small nurseries and can be easily placed on top of parents' beds which allows parents to keep an eye on their baby whilst they rest. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that prevent children from climbing over the sides. However, once babies can crawl and stand up, these sides become a danger to safety and should be removed to stop your child from falling out of their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are usually circular in shape to reduce space and are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and offer a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are easily portable and usually have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
Many cots are basic and simple. Some come with extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. Natural materials are the best as they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of stuffed pillows or animals, as they can cause children to drown.
A cot bed is a larger version of a cot that has removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you are expecting to have more than one child as it will eliminate the need to switch between different types of furniture and saves money on separate beds. The majority of cot beds are suitable from the moment your baby is born until the time he is about two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
If you are suffering from back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the ideal option. You won't have to bend over the side. This is important since back problems are one of the most frequent problems for new mothers and pregnant women especially those who had back injuries previously.
This type of cot means that your baby will be reached more easily during the day without you needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. It is essential to make sure that there is at least 4cm between the base and the mattress to avoid your child from climbing out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if you are unsure which the best cot for your requirements. We can discuss your options. We can assist you in finding the most secure, stylish cot that will grow with your child, meeting all safety standards required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It received high marks for its ease of assembly. Mum tester Gina said that it was "a dream to build - extremely clear instructions with photos". It also comes with a practical drawer and teething rails, plus three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot's strength and solid construction makes it a great option for babies that do not sleep through the night. It is important to ensure that the slats on the cot's frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot has been inspected to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models, and this led to unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any fabric placed near babies should be tucked tightly to avoid the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the crib as they could strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a bargain, but it's surprisingly durable. It's suitable for infants to toddlers. It offers a variety of mattress bases and is easily converted into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great option for parents with high ceilings that slope. It has lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until 4 years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it doesn't be snagged in corners and can easily fit into the standard door frames. The cot can also be transformed into a stylish bench bed for a child who is older by lifting the bars.
A high-quality piece that's a good investment, this curved cot bed is available in off-white or fashionable green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It's a great choice for parents who value durability, since it can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and into a twin bed for an older child by cutting off the front rails. It's also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment, teething rails, and a handy hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that could expand with them. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds so that you can quickly switch them out when your child is old enough to use them. Others have built-in drawers for storage and some have a changing station!
A cot with drawers is great for keeping everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets in, and it can also make tidying up easier since you can store everything in the same location. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips along the side too - perfect for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a tight budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It's a minimalist and sleek design that will work well in all rooms. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot bed and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base, allowing it to grow along with your child. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to go along with it.
It can be difficult to put together (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed, it is lightweight and durable. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting feature that can aid in treating reflux or colic. Additionally, it's available in a variety of colours too so you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery to create a coordinated style.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal for those who want to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view but within easy reach. They come with an area to store the essentials. Some also come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
It is possible to convert your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can be converted into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a part of the family for a long time. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth until two years and will grow with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. The classic cot features a simple design, but it has many features like an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage and a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is easy to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket in one. It is set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and comes with expert advice from experts from around the world. It's a significant investment, however it may be beyond the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.