Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop infants from getting out of bed, or suffocating if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They shouldn't have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four secure sides, so you can be certain that your child is secure at all times. Many cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be made into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed alongside the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their baby while they rest. These cots have fixed sides to prevent babies from stepping over them. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling, these sides are a safety risk and should be removed.
Cots are usually circular to help reduce space and are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and safe space for your baby to sleep in. They are portable and often have wheels or castors so you can move them around.
Many cots are basic and simple. Some come with extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. The best cots are made of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, since they can suffocate young children.
A cot-bed can be a bigger version of a cot with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers when your child grows out of it. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that you plan to have more than one baby, as it eliminates having to change between different types and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth to around two years of age depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you are suffering from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best alternative. You won't need to bend as much over the side. Back pain is a common problem for pregnant women and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot also means that your baby can be easily reached during the day without you needing to worry about your back or lifting them. But, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child isn't able to climb out.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you aren't sure which cot will best suit your requirements. We can discuss your options. best infant cribs can help you find the most secure, stylish cot that can grow with your child, and meet all safety standards required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being simple to put together. Mum tester Gina said that it was "a dream to build - extremely clear instructions with photos". It includes teething rail, a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.
The cot is an excellent option for babies that sleep all night. However, you must ensure that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats are secured properly and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot is certified as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models, and this has led to unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Look for a model that automatically locks the drop side when it is in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent your baby from being able to pull the side down and 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 death syndrome, any fabrics that are placed near the baby must be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the possibility of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot as they pose a strangulation risk and babies can catch their heads on them if they roll over in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain but it's actually quite durable. It's suitable for infants up to toddlers. It offers a variety of mattress bases and can be easily transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a good option for parents who have ceilings that slope because it comes with castors that lock to prevent the cot from slipping down.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from birth until the child is four years old. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it doesn't be snagged in corners, and can easily fit into the standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a stylish bench bed for older children by simply removing the bars.
A top-quality piece that's a great investment This curved cot is available in either off-white or fashionable green and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's a great option for parents who appreciate longevity, since it can be made into an infant bed by removing the sides, and then into a twin bed for older children by removing the front rails. It's also incredibly durable and includes an storage drawer and teething rails as well as an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you need extra storage space for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that can adapt to their needs. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the switch to a toddler bed easy once your child is no longer in the habit of using it, while others include drawers built in for storage, and some have a changing area included!
It's handy to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins, and other things that your child enjoys. It is also easier to clean up since everything is all in one spot. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips on the side too - perfect for teething babies!
If you're on a budget but still need a chic and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It's minimalist design that's slim and will work well in all rooms. It takes the standard cot mattress and has three adjustable base heights to accommodate the growing baby. It can be transformed into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a selection of matching furniture to go with it.
It's not an easy thing to assemble (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed it's light and long-lasting. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function which can help with colic and reflux. It's also available in a range of colors, meaning you can coordinate it with other furniture for your nursery to create a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view but still within reach. The majority of cots have a handy drawer where you can keep a variety of items and some come with hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets as well as teething rails to shield the cot sides from your little one's chewing urges.
Based on the design of your cot you might be able to transform it into a toddler bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change or turn into a junior bed after your child turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for many years. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and that will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. This classic crib is simple in its design but offers plenty of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's designed to revolutionize how babies sleep, and includes expert advice from international experts. affordable cots 's a significant investment, however it could be out of budget for many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.