Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent infants from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four secured sides, so you can be sure your baby is safe at all times. They usually come in a fixed size and may be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed alongside the parents' bed, allowing them a view of their baby while they lay down. These cots have fixed sides to stop babies from climbing over them. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and must be removed to stop your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are circular in shape that helps to in reducing space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure space for your baby to rest in. They are able to be easily moved between spaces and are often on wheels or castors that allow you to move them easily.
Some cots come with extra features like teething rails or drawers but many are simple and basic. Natural materials are the best because they are durable and more resistant to wear. They should be free of stuffed toys or pillows as they could pose danger of suffocation for young children.
A cot-bed is a larger version of a cot with a removable side and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your child grows out of it. This feature is particularly beneficial when you are planning to have more than one baby since it makes it easier to change between different types and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth until around two years of age dependent on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect for those who suffer from back pain since it means that you do not have to bend over the side as much. via 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. But, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child can't climb out.
If you're not sure which cot is right for your needs we suggest getting in touch with us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can talk through 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.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being easy to put together. Mom tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions and pictures". 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 is a good 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 have been fixed in a proper manner and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot has been inspected to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this led to dangerous designs being outlawed in the USA. Find a cot with an auto-locking drop side that locks in the upward position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to pull the side down in order to climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be pulled into a tight swaddle to avoid the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be hung above the cot, since they pose a strangulation risk and infants could catch their heads on them when they roll over during their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's sturdy, this minimalistic crib bed is suitable from birth until toddler age. It comes with a wide variety of mattress positions and is easily transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great option for parents with ceilings that slope because it comes with lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling.
This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that is easily converted. It can be used by children from birth to age 4. It has an unique oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and can easily pass through standard door frames. By removing the bars it is possible to transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
A high-quality piece that's an excellent investment, this curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents looking for a durable product. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing its sides and then into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It is also extremely durable and has a storage area, teething rails, and an excellent hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you need extra storage for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that will adapt to their needs. Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds so that you can quickly switch them out when your child outgrows them. Some have built-in drawers to store things and some even come with a nappy changing station!
A cot with drawers is handy for keeping all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths or blankets in, and it helps in tidying up as you can keep everything in one space. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips on the sides - great for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a budget but still want a chic, practical cot. Its slimline and simple design will fit 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 toddler's bed by removing the side panel. There are furniture pieces that accompany it.
It can be difficult to put together (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built it is light and durable. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting feature that can aid in treating colic or reflux. Additionally, it's available in a variety of colours too so you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery if you're going for a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is ideal for those who want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of view but still within reach. They usually have a drawer that can store lots of essentials, and some have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets as well as teething rails to guard the sides of your cot from teething inclinations.
Depending on the style of your cot you might be able to transform it into a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for a change, and some can even transform into a junior bed once your child is five. This is a the best value for money and ensures that your cot will remain part of the family for a long time to come, but make sure to check the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate for your nursery before buying.
If you're looking for 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 Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. The classic crib is simple in its design but offers plenty of features like an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height levels. Mini Cot Bed is simple to put together, 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 set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed up with expert advice from international sleep consultants. It's an investment, though it could be beyond the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.