Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent babies from falling out of their beds, or suffocating when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. They often come in a fixed size and may be converted into a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed beside the parents' bed, allowing them a view of their child while they sleep. The cots are designed with fixed sides to stop babies from climbing over them. However, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a danger to safety and must be removed to prevent your child from falling off of the their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots have a circular shape which can help reduce space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and offer a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors that allow you to move them easily.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails or drawers but many are simple and basic. The most durable cots are constructed from natural materials since they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is essential to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, as they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot-bed is a larger version than a cot, with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is particularly useful when you are planning to have more than one baby 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 dependent on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the best option. It won't require you to bend as much over the side. Back back pain is a common occurrence for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially those who have suffered 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. But, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the cot is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child isn't able to get out.
If you're not sure the best cot for your needs we suggest getting in touch with us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can discuss your options. We can help you choose an attractive and safe cot that will grow along with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top choice. It scored high marks for its ease of assembly. Gina mother tester said it was "a easy assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". It includes a teething rail as well as a drawer to store things in and three different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy structure makes it an excellent choice for babies who sleep through the night. But make sure whether the cot is constructed from a safe material like solid wood, and that the slats are fixed properly and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot is certified to be in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models and this led to the USA banning some dangerous designs. Choose a cot that locks automatically the drop side when it is in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock it, which will prevent your baby from pulling the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
While photos of styled nursery pictures might show blankets that are artistically wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed near the baby should be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the danger of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the crib as they can strangle babies or cause them to hit their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a low-cost option but it's actually quite sturdy. It's suitable for babies all the way to toddlers. It has a wide range of mattress bases and can be easily converted into an infant bed by removing one side panel. Cot Bed is also a great choice for parents who have sloped ceilings, as it is equipped with lockable castors to ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
This cot bed made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that is easily converted. It can be used by children as young as until age 4. Its unique oval shape ensures that it will not get stuck in corners and can easily fit into the standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can convert the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that will create a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in a stylish green and off-white. It's a top option for parents who appreciate durability, since it can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child by removing the front rails. It's also incredibly sturdy and comes with storage drawers as well as teething rails, as well as a handy hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you want extra storage space for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that can expand with them. Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds, allowing you to quickly switch them out when your child outgrows them. Others have built-in drawers to store things and some even include a changing station!
It's handy to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins or other things that your child will love. It can also make it easier to clean up, as everything is in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips on the sides - ideal for babies who are teething!
If you're on a budget but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. Its slimline and simple design will fit in the majority of rooms. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base, allowing it to grow with your child. Cot Bed can be transformed into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a range of matching furniture to go with it.
Although it's not easy to put together (one of our testers noted that the instructions were not clear) after it's put together, it is lightweight and sturdy. It also has an added bonus: a tilting feature that can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a variety of colours, so you can pair it with other nursery furnishings for a cohesive look.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from sight but still within easy reach, a cot with storage is ideal. The majority of cots have an easy-to-access drawer where you can keep a variety of items and some come with hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets as well as teething rails to guard the sides of your cot from chewing urges.
Based on the style of your cot, you may be able to turn it into a toddler bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change and some turn into a junior bed once your child is five. This is a the best value for money and guarantees that your cot will remain part of the family for a long time to come, but be certain to look at the dimensions to ensure it's a good fit for your nursery before buying.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth until two years and will grow with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has an unassuming design, however it offers numerous features, including an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage as well as a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a high-tech solution to get a better night's sleep it's a cot, moses basket, and bassinet in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed by the expertise of international sleep consultants. It's an investment, though it may be out of budget for many families. Our full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.