Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop children from falling out of their beds or becoming suffocated in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have four secure sides, so you can be certain that your child is secure throughout the day. Many cots come in fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for small nurseries and can be placed on top of parents' beds which allows parents to watch their child while they sleep. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over the sides. Once your baby is capable of standing and crawling over the sides, they pose a safety risk and should be removed.
Cots are generally circular in shape to help reduce space and are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure space for your baby to sleep. They are easy to move between rooms and are usually mounted on wheels or on castors to enable you to move them with ease.
A lot of cots are simple and basic. Some have extra features like teething rails or drawers for storage. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, since they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of a cot that has removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be turned into a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that you plan to have more than one child since it makes it easier to switch between different types of beds and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to around two years of age, depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back discomfort, a cot that has a drop-side is the best option. You won't need to bend over the side. Back pain is a common issue for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially when they've had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without having to lift them or worry about your back. However, you need to make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the cot is at least 4cm so that your child can't get out.
We suggest that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if aren't sure which cot will best suit your needs. We can discuss your options. We can help you find a safe, stylish cot that grows with your child, and meet all safety standards required by law.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being easy to put together. Mom tester Gina said it was "a dream to build - extremely clear instructions with photos". It also comes with a handy teething rails and drawers, as well as three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's strength and solid structure makes it an excellent option for babies that do not sleep through the night. But you should check that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood, and that the slats are fixed correctly and not loosened.
Verify that the cot is certified to meet British safety regulations. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this has led to dangerous designs being banned in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side that locks in the upward position. crib sets will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able lower the side to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed near the baby should be secured tightly to reduce the risk of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging above the cot, since they pose a strangulation risk and infants could catch their heads against them when they roll over in their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's robust, this minimalist crib 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 also a good option for parents who have ceilings that slope as it has castors that lock to prevent the cot from falling.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from birth until the child is 4 years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it doesn'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.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that can be a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It is available in a stylish green and off-white. It's a great choice for parents who are seeking a durable item. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides, or into a twin bed for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly robust and comes with a storage drawer, teething rails and an easy hanging rail to hang blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or are looking for a design that will grow with them There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds so that you can easily change them when your child has outgrown them. Others have built-in drawers to store things and some even have a changing station!
It's handy to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, and other things that your child enjoys. It also makes it easier to tidy it up since everything is all in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips on the sides - ideal for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a tight budget and still want a chic, practical cot. It's minimalist design that's slim and will work well in all rooms. It takes an ordinary cot mattress and has three adjustable base heights to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by cutting off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along with it.
Although it's not easy to build (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions weren't clear) Once it's assembled, it is lightweight and sturdy. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function which can help with colic and reflux. Plus, it's available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to other furniture in the nursery to create an aesthetically pleasing style.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from sight but still within easy reach, a cot with storage will be ideal. They come with an area to store the essentials. Some come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
You may be able convert 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 baby turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a part of the family for a long time. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to buying to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a fashionable cot that is suitable for babies up to two years old. It can also grow with your child. This classic cot has an easy design, but it has numerous features, including an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage and a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. It's also easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled components and excellent instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to get a better night's sleep it's a cot, bassinet, and moses basket in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed up by expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. The price is high and may not be within the budget of some families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.