Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent infants from getting out of bed or becoming suffocated if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. A lot of cots are available in a fixed-size and can be transformed into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed beside the parents' bed, allowing them a view of their child while they rest. These cots have fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over them. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots have a circular shape which can help in reducing space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a comfortable and safe place for your child to sleep. They can be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors that allow you to move them with ease.
Many cots are basic and simple. Some have extra features such as teething rails or drawers for storage. The most durable cots are constructed from natural materials since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of any stuffed pillows or animals, as they can cause children to drown.
A cot-bed is a bigger version than a cot, with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is especially useful if you are expecting to have more than one child as it removes the need to switch between various kinds of furniture, and also saves money on buying separate beds. The majority of cot-beds are suitable from birth until 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. You won't need 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 also means that your baby will be reached more easily during the day without you having to be concerned about your back or lifting them. However, you need to make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child won't be able to climb out.
We suggest that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if are unsure about which cot will best suit your requirements. We can discuss your options. We can help you choose an elegant, safe cot that will grow with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for its ease to construct. Mum tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct - extremely clear instructions with photos". It comes with teething rail and a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy structure makes it an excellent choice for babies who sleep through the night. Make sure that the cot's slats and frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Verify that the cot is certified to be in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models, which led to the USA banning certain unsafe designs. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side that locks in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able lower the side to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any material placed near a baby should be tucked tightly to prevent the risk of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be hung above the cot as they could be strangulation hazards and infants could catch their heads against them when they roll over in their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It's an ideal choice for parents with sloped ceilings, as it is equipped with lockable castors to prevent the cot falling down.
best cot beds made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that is easily converted. It can be used by children as young as to age 4. It has an unusual oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and can easily fit through standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a chic bench-style bed for older children by simply taking the bars off.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that can be an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in a stylish green and off-white. It's a great option 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 an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly durable and comes with an storage drawer, teething rails and an ideal hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding or want a design that will grow with them There are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds so that you can quickly switch them out when your child has outgrown them. Some come with 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 loves. It is also easier to tidy it up by putting everything all in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips on the sides, which are great for teething infants!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a budget but still want a stylish, practical cot. It's minimalist and sleek design that will 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, allowing it to grow as your child grows. 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.
Although it's not easy to build (one of our testers noted that the instructions were not clear) Once it's assembled, it's light and durable. It also has a unique feature: a tilting feature which can help with colic and reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to other furniture in the nursery in the event that you want a cohesive style.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect when you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view but still within reach. They come with drawers to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the design of your cot you might be able to transform it into a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for an upgrade or turn into a junior bed once your child is 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 its dimensions before purchasing to ensure it fits 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 Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. The classic cot is minimalist in design but offers plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to get a better night's sleep it's a cot, bassinet, and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize how babies sleep, and is backed by expert advice from international consultants. It's a significant investment, however it could be beyond the budget of many families. Our full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.