Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent infants from falling out of bed or becoming suffocated when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. A lot of cots are available in a fixed-size and can be transformed into a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for smaller nursery settings and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds which allows parents to keep an eye on their child as they rest. They are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent babies from climbing on the sides. But once infants can crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and should be removed in order 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 smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between spaces and are often on wheels or castors to allow you to move them easily.
Many cots are simple and basic. Some come with extra features like teething rails or drawers for storage. 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 since they can create danger of suffocation for children who are still young.
A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child has outgrown it. This feature is particularly useful when you plan to have more than one child because it eliminates 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 birth to around two years old depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best alternative. It won't require you to bend over the side. This is crucial as back problems are one of the most common problems amongst pregnant women and new parents especially those who previously hurt their backs.
This type of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without lifting them or worry about your back. It is essential to make sure that there is at least 4 cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from escaping.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure about which cot is best for your requirements. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can help you find the most secure, stylish cot that grows with your child and meet all safety standards that are required by law.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being easy to construct. Gina, a mum tester said it was "a breeze to assemble - extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It also comes with a practical teething rails and drawers, and three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's durability and solid construction makes it a great option for babies that do not sleep through the night. Make sure that the slats on the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been inspected as being in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this led to dangerous designs being outlawed in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking side for the drop in the upward position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able lower the side to 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 campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, any fabrics that are placed near the baby should be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the danger of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be hung above the cot as they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads on them if they roll over during their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain, but it's surprisingly robust. It's suitable for infants all the way to toddlers. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing a side panel. It's also a great option for parents who have ceilings that slope because it comes with lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling down.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that is easily transformed. It can be used by children as young as up to age 4. Its unique oval shape ensures that it doesn't be snagged in corners, and it can easily fit into standard door frames. By removing the bars you can transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
A top-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 choice for parents who are seeking a durable item. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing its sides, and into a twin for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and comes with storage drawers, teething rails and a handy hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or you want a design that will evolve with your child There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the change over simple when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Some come with built-in drawers for storage, and some come with a changing station included!
A crib with drawers is ideal to store all your child's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets, and it can also make tidying up easier since you can store everything in the same place. These cots also have anti-bite strips along the sides - ideal for babies who are teething!
If you're on a budget but still require a stylish and practical cot, the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It's a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll work well in all rooms. It can be used with a standard cot mattress and has three adjustable heights for the base to accommodate the growing baby. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels and there's a variety of matching furniture to go with it.
Although it can be tricky to build (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 feature which can aid with colic and reflux. Additionally, it's available in lots of different colours too so you can match it with other nursery furniture to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight however, they are still within reach, a cot that has storage is ideal. They come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some also come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the style of your cot, you may be able to convert it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change, and some can even turn into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a family member for many years. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a stylish cot which can be used for infants from 2 to 2 years old. It also grows with your child. The classic cot is simple in design but offers plenty of features like an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. cot bed sales is simple to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a high-tech solution for a better sleep, is a cot, bassinet, and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize how babies sleep, and includes expert advice from international consultants. The cost is expensive and might not be within the budget of some families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.