Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots stop children from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four secure sides, so you can be sure your child is secure throughout the day. Many cots come in a fixed-size and can be converted 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, allowing them to keep an eye on their baby whilst they sleep. 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, these sides become a danger to safety and should be removed to prevent your child from falling out of the 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 provide a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are easily portable and often come with castors or wheels so you can move them around.
Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some have extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. The best cots are made of natural materials because they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of stuffed toys or pillows since they can create danger of suffocation for children who are still young.
A cot-bed is a larger version of a cot with removable sides and end panels. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers when your child grows out of it. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that you're planning to have more than one child since it will eliminate the need to switch between various types of furniture and saves money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cribs can be used from birth until your child is about two years old, based on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop side is ideal for those who suffer from back pain since it means that you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is crucial as back pain is one of the most common issues among new mothers and pregnant women, especially those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without having to lift them or be concerned about your back. It is important to make sure that there is a minimum of 4 cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from escaping.
If you're not sure which cot is best for your needs, we recommend calling us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can discuss your options. We can help you select the most stylish, safe cot that will evolve with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It was praised for its easy assembly. Mum tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions and pictures". It comes with teething rail, a drawer for storage and three different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot is a good option for babies who are able to sleep all at night. It is important to ensure that the slats on the cot's frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot has been certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models, and this has led to unsafe designs being outlawed in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side in the upward position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. small cot beds will stop your child from being able to pull the side down in order to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any fabric placed close to babies should be tucked tightly to prevent the possibility of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be left hanging over the cot, since they could be strangulation hazards and infants could catch their heads against them when they slumber during their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this minimalist cot bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It's an ideal choice for parents with sloped ceilings, as it has lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.
This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that is easily transformed. It can be used by children from birth until age 4. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't be snagged in corners and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. By removing the bars you can convert the cot into a chic bed for older children.
A top-quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot is available in either off-white or stylish green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It's a top option for parents who value longevity, as it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child by removing the front rails. It's also extremely sturdy and includes an storage drawer and teething rails as well as an ideal hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you want a design that will grow with them, there are plenty of options on the market. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the switch to a toddler bed easy once your child outgrows it, while others come with built-in drawers for storage and others even come with a changing station included!
A cot with drawers is great to keep all your little one's favourite toys, muslin cloths or blankets, and it helps in tidying up as you can keep everything in one location. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips along the sides - great for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a budget but still want a stylish, practical cot. Its slim and minimalist design will work in most rooms. It takes an ordinary crib mattress and has three adjustable base heights to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by taking off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to go along with it.
It's not easy to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions were unclear) However, once it's constructed it's light and durable. It also has a unique feature: a tilting feature that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can pair it with other nursery furnishings if you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect when you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of view but still within reach. The cots come with drawers to store the essentials. Some also come with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.
You may be able transform your cot into a daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can even transform into a junior bed when your child reaches 5. This gives you the best value for money and guarantees that your cot will remain a part of the family for years to come, but be certain to look at the dimensions to make sure it will fit into the nursery before purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a stylish cot which can be used for babies up to two years old. It also grows with your child. The classic cot features a simple design, but it comes with 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. It's also simple to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed by expert advice from international sleep consultants. It's a significant investment, however it could be out of budget for many families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.