Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect children 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 have four secured sides, so you can rest assured that your baby is safe at all times. Many cots are available in a fixed-size and can be transformed into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for small nurseries and can be easily installed alongside the beds of parents, allowing them to keep an eye on their baby whilst they sleep. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that prevent babies from climbing on the sides. Once your baby is capable of standing and crawling on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are generally circular in shape to save space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are portable and usually have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
A lot of cots are basic and straightforward. Some have additional features such as teething rails or drawers for storage. The best cots are made of natural materials because they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, as they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot-bed can be a bigger version than a cot, with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is especially useful in the event that you're planning to have more than one child since it will eliminate the necessity of switching between different kinds of furniture and helps save money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from the moment your baby is born until the time he is around two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
If you are suffering from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the ideal alternative. It won't require you to bend as much over the side. Back back pain is a common occurrence for pregnant women and newly mothers, especially 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. You must ensure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from escaping.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if are unsure which cot is best for your requirements. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can help you choose a stylish and safe cot that can develop with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for being easy to construct. Mum tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions with pictures". try this includes a teething rail as well as a drawer to store things in and 3 different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot is a great option for babies who are able to sleep all the night. But you should check that the cot is made from a sanitized material such as solid wood and that the slats are fixed properly and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot has been inspected as meeting British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models, which led to the USA ban on certain unsafe designs. Find a cot with an auto-locking side for the drop in the upward position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed near a baby should be tucked tightly to avoid the risk of the baby suffocating. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the crib as they can strangle infants or cause them to fall on their heads as they move around in their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a bargain but it's actually quite durable. It's suitable for infants all the way to toddlers. It offers a variety of mattress base positions and can easily be transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great option for parents with ceilings that slope as it has lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from birth until the child is 4 years old. It has a unique oval shape which means it won't be stuck in corners and is able to easily pass through standard door frames. By removing the bars, it is possible to transform the cot into a chic bed for older children.
A high-quality piece that's an excellent investment, this curved cot bed is available in off-white or stylish green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It's a great choice for parents who are looking for a long-lasting product. It can be transformed 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 durable and has a storage area with teething rails as well as an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
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 could expand with them. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the switch over easy when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Some have built in drawers for storage, and some come with a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins, or other items that your child enjoys. It is also easier to tidy it up since everything is all in one spot. Many of these cots have anti-bite strips of plastic on the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It's simple and slimline aesthetic that'll be a good fit in any room. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base to grow along with your child. It can be converted into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a selection of furniture that can be used with it.
It's not an easy thing to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) However, once it's constructed it's light and long-lasting. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting feature that can aid in treating reflux or colic. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery for a cohesive look.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage will be ideal. The cots come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some also come with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.
You may be able convert your cot into a daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to be converted into a junior bed once your baby turns 5. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a part of the family for many years. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a chic cot that is suitable 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 including an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. It's also easy to assemble with alphabetically labelled components and excellent instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed with expert advice from international sleep experts. It's an investment, however, and may be priced out of the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.