Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect 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 secure sides, so you can rest assured that your child is secure at all times. Many cots are available in fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed alongside the parents' bed, giving them to view their child as they lay down. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent babies from stepping over them. But, once babies can crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and therefore they need to be removed to stop your child from falling out of their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner, which helps reduce space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure place for your baby to sleep. They can be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors that allow you to move them around easily.
Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some have additional features such as teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best because they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of toys and pillows as they could pose danger of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot which features removable sides as well as an end panel, meaning it can be transformed into a toddler bed after your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you expect 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 from birth to around two years old depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop side is ideal if you suffer from back pain since it means that you do not have to bend over the side as much. Back pain is a common problem for women who are pregnant and new mothers, particularly those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day without lifting them or be concerned 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 in order that your child won't be able to climb out.
If you're unsure the best cot for your needs we suggest contact Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can assist you in choosing the most stylish, safe cot that will evolve with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It scored high marks for its ease of assembly. The mother tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions with pictures". It comes with teething rail and a drawer for storage and three different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot is an excellent option for babies that sleep all the night. But you should check that the cot is made from a safe material like solid wood, and that the slats are fixed in a proper manner and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been certified as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models which led to the USA ban on certain dangerous 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 to pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery might show blankets that are artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, all fabrics placed near the baby should be tucked in tightly to reduce the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the crib as they could strangle babies or cause them to hit their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's robust, this crib bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It can be made to a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It's also a great option for parents who have high ceilings that slope. It is equipped with lockable castors to prevent the cot falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from birth until the child is four years old. It features 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, you can transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will make an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. Cot Bed 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 toddler's bed by removing its sides, or into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It is also extremely durable and has a storage area as well as teething rails and an excellent hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or need a design that can grow with them, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the switch over easy when your child is no longer in the habit of using it, while others have built in drawers for storage and others even have a changing area included!
A cot with drawers is handy for keeping everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin cloths or blankets, and it also makes tidying up easier since you can store everything in the same location. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite strips of plastic on the sides - great for babies who are teething!
If you're looking to save money but still require a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. Its slimline and minimalist design will work in the majority of rooms. It takes a standard cot mattress and has three adjustable base heights to grow with your baby. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that accompany it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to construct (one of our testers noted that the instructions were not clear), once it's constructed it's light and durable. Cot Bed has an additional feature: a tilting feature that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's also available in a range of colors, so you can coordinate it with other furniture in the nursery for a cohesive look.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view but still within reach. They usually have a handy drawer where you can keep a variety of items and some even have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets, as well as teething rails to shield the cot sides from tooth-gnashing urges.
You may be able transform your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can become a junior bed after your baby turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a family member for a long time. Be sure to verify its dimensions before purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and will develop with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has an unassuming design, however it has numerous features, including an under-bed drawer to store items, a teething rail, and height levels that can be adjusted. It's also simple to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and includes expert advice from international consultants. The cost is expensive and might not be within the budget of a lot of families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.