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 cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four secure sides to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. They often come in a fixed size and may be converted to a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for smaller nurseries and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds which allows parents to keep an eye on their child while they rest. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that prevent children from climbing over the sides. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous and therefore they need to be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of the bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are usually circular to help reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are easy to transport and typically have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features such as drawers or teething rails, but many are simple and basic. The best cots are made of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of any stuffed pillows or animals, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of the cot that has removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. This feature is especially useful when you are planning to have more than one child since it makes it easier to change between different types and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. The majority of cribs are suitable from birth until your infant is about two years old, based on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back discomfort, a cot that has a drop-side is the best alternative. You won't have to bend as much over the side. This is crucial as back pain is among the most common problems amongst pregnant women and new parents especially those who suffered 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. But, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm in order that your child isn't able to climb out.
If you're unsure the best cot for your child's needs, we recommend getting in touch with us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can talk through your options. We can help you choose 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 scored high marks for its ease of assembly. Gina, a mum tester has said that it was "a simple assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It includes teething rails, a drawer for storage and three different mattress height positions.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy build makes it a good option for babies that sleep through the night. However, you must ensure that the cot is made from a safe material like solid wood, and that the slats are secured correctly and not loosened.
Verify that the cot has been certified to be in compliance with British safety regulations. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this has led to some dangerous designs being outlawed in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side that locks in the up position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to lower the side to climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets adorably draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be tucked in tightly to avoid the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be left hanging over the cot as they can be strangulating and infants could catch their heads against them when they slumber during their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's robust, this minimalist cot bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It offers a variety of mattress base positions and can be easily transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a good choice for parents who have ceilings that slope as it has castors that lock to prevent the cot from slipping down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from birth until the child is four years old. It features an unusual oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and will easily pass through standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that will make an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in off-white and stylish green. It's a great option for parents who are looking for a durable product. It can be turned into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides or into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely robust and includes a storage drawer and teething rails as well as a handy hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or need a design that can grow with them, there are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the change over easy when your child outgrows it. Some include drawers built in to store things in and some include a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, or other items that your child enjoys. It also makes it easier to clean up by putting everything all in one spot. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips along the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a tight budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It's slimline and minimalist design will work in the majority of rooms. It can be used with the standard crib mattress and has three adjustable heights for the base to grow with your baby. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by taking off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along with it.
It can be difficult to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built it is light and long-lasting. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery to create an aesthetically pleasing style.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight, but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage options is the best choice. They usually have a drawer that can store lots of essentials, and some have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets as well as a teething rail to protect the sides of the cot from tooth-gnashing urges.
It is possible to convert your cot into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can become a junior bed after your child turns 5. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a part of the family for many years. Be sure to verify its dimensions before purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a stylish cot that is suitable for infants up to 2 years old. It will also grow with your child. Baby Cot Bed features an easy design, but it comes with many features such as an under-bed drawer for storage and a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed up by expert advice from international sleep experts. It's an investment, though it may be priced out of the budget of many families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.