Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots stop babies from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots come with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's security at all times. They are usually of a fixed size and may be converted to a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for smaller nurseries and can be easily placed on top of parents' beds which allows parents to keep an eye on their child while they sleep. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing over them. But, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and must be removed to prevent your child from falling out of the their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are typically circular in shape to reduce space and are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between spaces and are often mounted on wheels or on castors to enable you to move them with ease.
Many cots are simple and basic. Some have extra features, like teething rails or drawers for storage. The best cots are made from natural materials since they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of any toys or pillows as they could pose the risk of suffocation to children who are still young.
A cot bed is a bigger version of a cot that has removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be turned into a toddler bed after your child has outgrown it. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that you plan to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to change between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. The majority of cot-beds are suitable from birth to about two years old dependent on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the ideal option. You won't need to bend over the side. Back back pain is a common occurrence for women who are pregnant and new mothers, particularly 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. But, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm so that your child won't be able to get out.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure about which the best cot for your requirements. We can discuss your options. We can help you choose an elegant, safe cot that can grow with your child, and meet all mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It scored high marks for its easy assembly. Gina mother tester, said it was "a easy assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It also comes with a useful drawer and teething rails as well as three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy structure makes it an excellent option for babies who can sleep all night. It is important to ensure that the slats of the cot's frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot is certified to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models, which resulted in the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Look for a model with an auto-locking drop side in the upward position. cot bed sales will require two actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able to lower the side to climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, all fabrics that are placed near the baby should be tucked in tightly to avoid the possibility of suffocation. 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 cot-bed that is minimalistic is a budget buy, but it's surprisingly robust. It's suitable for babies all the way to toddlers. It comes with a wide variety of mattress base positions and can be easily converted into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a good option for parents with ceilings that slope because it comes with castors that lock to prevent the cot from falling down.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed can be 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 will easily fit through standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a chic bench-style bed for older children by simply lifting the bars.
A top-quality piece that's a good investment, this curved cot bed is available in off-white or stylish green, and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents who are looking for a durable product. It can be converted 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 sturdy and comes with a storage drawer as well as teething rails, as well as an easy hanging rail to hang blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you need extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that could expand with them. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the transition over easy when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Other cots have built in drawers for storage, and some come with a changing station included!
A crib with drawers is ideal to store everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets, and it also makes tidying up easier since you can store everything in the same space. These cots also have anti-bite strips on the sides, which are great for teething infants!
If you're looking to save money but still require a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. Its slimline and simple design will fit in any room. It is compatible with an ordinary cot mattress and has three adjustable heights for the base to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to be used with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions were not clear) Once it's assembled, it's light and durable. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function which can aid with colic and reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with other furniture in the nursery if you want a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of view but within easy reach. They come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
It is possible to transform your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to transform into a junior bed when your baby turns five. This is a the best value for money and will ensure that your cot will be an integral part of your family for a long time to come, but be sure to verify the dimensions to make sure it will fit into your nursery before buying.
If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth to two years old and that will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. The classic cot features an unassuming design, however it offers many features like an under-bed drawer for storage, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to better sleep is a cot bassinet, and moses basket in one. It is set to revolutionise how babies sleep, and includes expert advice from international experts. It's an investment, though it could be priced out of the budget of many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.