Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect infants 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 come with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. They often come in an unchanging size, and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed beside the parents' bed, giving them a view of their baby while they rest. These cots have fixed sides to prevent infants from stepping over them. But, once babies can crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and should be removed to stop your child from falling out of bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are circular in shape that helps to reduce space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are portable and usually have castors or wheels so you can move them around.
A lot of cots are basic and simple. Some have additional features like teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best as they are durable and more resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of toys and pillows as these can pose a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of a cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, meaning it can be turned into a toddler bed once your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you are expecting to have more than one child because it removes the need to switch between different kinds of furniture and helps save money on separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth until around two years old depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop side is ideal if you suffer from back pain because it means that you don't have to bend over the side as much. Back back pain is a common occurrence for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows your baby to be reached more easily throughout the day without you having to be concerned about your back or lifting them. It is essential to ensure that there is at least 4cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from climbing out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you aren't sure which cot is best for your requirements. We can talk about your options. We can help you find the most secure, stylish cot that grows with your child, meeting all mandatory safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for its ease to construct. Gina mother tester has said that it was "a simple assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It also comes with a practical drawer and teething rails, as well as three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is a good option for babies who are able to sleep all night. You should make sure that the cot's slats and frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Verify that the cot has been certified as meeting British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models, and this has led to dangerous designs being prohibited in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking side for the drop in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to lower the side to climb out.
Corner Cots
While styled nursery photos might show blankets that are artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be pulled in tightly to reduce the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging above the cot, as they could be strangulation hazards and infants could catch their heads on them when they slumber during their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth until toddler age. It can be transformed to a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It is an ideal choice for parents who have ceilings that slope, since it has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that can be easily converted. It can be used by children as young as up to age 4. It has an unique oval shape that means it won't get stuck in corners and can easily pass through standard door frames. By removing the bars, it is possible to transform the cot into a chic bed for older children.
This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that can be a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It is available in stylish green and off-white. It's a great option for parents who value longevity, as it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and into a twin bed for a child who is older by taking out the front rails. It's also incredibly durable and comes with an storage drawer, teething rails and a handy hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
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 adapt to their needs There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds, so that you can easily switch when your child has outgrown them. Some come with built-in drawers that can be used for storage and some include a changing station!
A crib with drawers is ideal to store all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths or blankets, and it can also make tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one space. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips along the side too - perfect for babies who are teething!
If you're on a tight budget but still need a chic and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It's slimline and minimalist design will work in most rooms. Visit Homepage takes the standard mattress for a cot and comes with three heights that can be adjusted to grow with your baby. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a variety of furniture that can be used with it.
Although it's not easy to build (one of our testers noted that the instructions were not clear) Once it's assembled, it is lightweight and sturdy. It also comes with an added bonus: a tilting feature that can aid in treating colic or reflux. Additionally, it's available in lots of different colours too so you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery to create a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage is ideal. The majority of cots have a drawer that can store lots of essentials and some come with hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets as well as teething rails to shield the cot sides from your little one's tooth-gnashing urges.
Depending on the design of your cot, you may be able to transform it into a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for a change, and some can even turn into a junior bed after your child turns five. This provides you with great value for money and will ensure that your cot will remain part of the family for a long time to come, but be certain to look at the dimensions to make sure it's a good fit for your nursery prior to purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a stylish cot which can be used for infants from 2 to 2 years old. It can also grow with your child. The classic crib is simple in its appearance but comes with plenty of features like an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled components and excellent instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It is set to revolutionise how babies sleep, and includes expert advice from international consultants. It's a significant investment, however it may be beyond the budget of many families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.