Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent children from getting out of bed or becoming suffocated if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's security at all times. They often come in the fixed size and could be converted to a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed alongside the parents' bed, giving them to view their baby while they sleep. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that prevent children from climbing over the sides. But, once infant cot bed can crawl and stand up, these sides become a danger to safety and should be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are circular in shape that helps to save space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and secure space for your baby to sleep. They are easily portable and often come with castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
A lot of cots are simple and basic. Some have extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials because they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of toys and pillows as they could pose danger of suffocation for children who are still young.
A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot which features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be converted into a toddler bed once your baby outgrows it. This feature is especially useful when you are planning to have more than one child because it means you don't have to switch between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. The majority of cot beds are suitable from birth until your infant is around two years old, depending on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect if you suffer from back pain because it means that you don't have to bend over the side as much. Back pain is a common problem for pregnant women and newly mothers, especially when they've had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day without having to lift them or worry about your back. However, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the cot is at least 4cm so that your child can't climb out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure which cot is best for your needs. We can discuss your options. We can help you select an attractive and safe cot that can grow along with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It was praised for its ease of assembly. The mother tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct - very clear instructions and pictures". It also comes with a useful drawer and teething rails, plus three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot is an excellent option for babies that sleep all at night. But make sure that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood, and that the slats have been fixed properly and not too loose.
Another thing to check 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 resulted in the USA banning certain unsafe designs. Find a cot that auto locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your child 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 wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed near the baby must be tucked in tightly to avoid the risk of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the crib as they could strangle babies or cause them to fall on their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a budget buy, but it's surprisingly sturdy. It's suitable for babies up to toddlers. It has a wide range of mattress positions and can easily be transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It is also a great option for parents with sloped ceilings, as it is equipped with lockable castors to prevent the cot falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from birth until the child is 4 years old. It features a unique oval shape which ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and will easily pass through standard door frames. The cot can also be transformed into a stylish bench bed for older children by simply taking the bars off.
A quality piece that's a great 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 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 a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment, teething rails, and an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you want additional storage space for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that could grow with them. Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds, allowing you to easily switch when your child is old enough to use them. Some have built-in drawers for storage, and some even come with a nappy changing station!
It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, or other items that your child will love. It also makes it easier to tidy it up, as everything is in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips on their sides - ideal for babies who are teething!
If you're on a tight budget but still want a stylish and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's minimalist design that's slim and will work well in all rooms. It is compatible with the standard mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable base heights to accommodate the growing 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 tricky to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, 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 lots of different colors, so you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery to create a cohesive look.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view however, they are still within reach, a cot that has storage options is the best choice. They usually have an easy-to-access drawer where you can put away a lot of your essentials and some even have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets and teething rails to guard the cot sides from your little one's tooth-gnashing urges.
It is possible to transform your cot into toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can be converted into a junior bed once your child turns 5. This provides you with an excellent value for money and guarantees that your cot will be part of the family for a long time to come, but make sure to check the dimensions to make sure it will fit into the nursery before purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a fashionable cot that is suitable for infants from 2 to 2 years old. It also grows with your child. The classic cot features an unassuming design, however it has many features such as an under-bed drawer to store items, a teething rail, and height levels that can be adjusted. mini cotbed is simple to put together, 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, moses basket, and bassinet all in one. It is set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and comes with expert advice from international experts. 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 complete review.