Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent babies from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should not have protrusions or sharp edges.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's safety at all times. They often come in a fixed size and may be converted to a toddler bed when your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for smaller nursery settings and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds and allow parents to keep an eye on their child as they rest. They are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent children from climbing over the sides. When your baby is able to stand and crawl on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are usually circular in shape to save space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and safe space for your baby to rest in. They can be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors to allow you to move them around easily.
Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some come with extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials because they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of toys and pillows as they could pose a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot-bed is a bigger version than a cot, with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your baby grows out of it. This feature is particularly beneficial when you are planning to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to switch between different types of beds and saves money by not buying separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used right from the moment your baby is born until the time he is about two years old, depending on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with a drop-side is ideal for those who suffer from back pain as it means you aren't bending over the side as much. Back cots offers is a common occurrence for pregnant women and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot also means that your baby can be reached more easily during the day without you needing to worry about your back or lifting them. 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 isn't able to climb out.
If you are unsure about the best cot for your needs We suggest calling us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can talk through your options. We can help you select an attractive and safe cot that can develop with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for its ease to construct. Mom tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct - very clear instructions with pictures". It also comes with a useful teething rails and drawers, plus three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot is a great option for babies who are able to sleep all at night. It is important to ensure that the cot's slats and frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been inspected as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models which resulted in the USA banning some unsafe designs. Find a cot with an auto-locking drop side in the upward position. It requires 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 close to the baby should be secured tightly to reduce the possibility of the baby suffocating. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the cot as they can strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads as they move around in their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a bargain however, it's extremely robust. It's suitable for babies all the way to toddlers. It can be made to a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It is also a great choice for parents with high ceilings that slope. It comes with lockable castors that stop the cot from falling down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from birth until 4 years old. It features an unique oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and will easily pass through standard door frames. The cot can also be converted into a stylish bench-style bed for older children by simply lifting the bars.
A top-quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot bed is available in either off-white or fashionable green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It's a great option for parents who appreciate durability, since it can be made into an infant bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for older children 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 a variety of options on the market, whether you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that can expand with them. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the switch over simple when your little one outgrows it. Other cots have built in drawers for storage, and some come with a changing station included!
A cot with drawers is great for keeping all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets in, and it also makes tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one space. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips along the side too - perfect for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a tight budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It has a minimalist design that's slim and will be a good fit in any room. It can be used with an ordinary crib mattress and has three adjustable heights for the base to accommodate the growing baby. It can be converted 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 testers said that the instructions were unclear) However, once it's constructed it is light and long-lasting. It also has a unique feature: a tilting feature which can aid with reflux and colic. It's also available in lots of different colours too so you can match it with other furniture for your nursery to create an aesthetically pleasing style.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage options is the best choice. The cots come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some also come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
You may be able transform your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to become a junior bed after your baby turns 5. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a family member for a long time. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth until two years old and will develop with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has a simple design, but it comes with many features such as an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage, a teething rail, and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is easy to put together, with 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 how babies sleep, and comes with expert advice from experts from around the world. The cost is expensive and may not be within the budget of many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.