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 sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have 4 secured sides, so you can be sure your baby is safe throughout the day. Many cots come in fixed-sizes and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for smaller nursery settings and can be easily placed on top of parents' beds which allows parents to keep an eye on their child while they rest. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing on the sides. But once infants can crawl and stand up, the sides become a safety hazard and therefore they need to be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of bed or injuring themselves.
Cots have a circular shape, which helps in reducing space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and offer a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors that allow you to move them around easily.
A lot of cots are simple and basic. Some have extra features such as 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. It is essential to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, since they can suffocate young children.
A cot bed is a larger version of a cot that has removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be transformed into a toddler bed after your child is no longer using it. This feature is especially useful if you are expecting to have more than one child since it removes the necessity of switching between different kinds of furniture and helps save money by purchasing separate beds. Most cot beds can be used right from birth until your infant is two years old, depending on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has drop sides is perfect for those who suffer from back pain since it means you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is important since back problems are one of the most common issues among new mothers and pregnant women, especially those who have previously hurt their backs.
This kind of cot means that your baby can be reached more easily during the day without you having to worry about your back or lifting them. It is important to make sure that there is at least 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to avoid your child from escaping.
If you are unsure about the best cot for your child's needs We suggest getting in touch with us at Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can help you choose an elegant, safe cot that will grow with your child and meet all safety standards required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It received high marks for its easy assembly. Gina, a mum tester said it was "a simple assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It comes with teething rails, a drawer for storage and three different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot is a great option for babies who are able to sleep all the night. It is important to ensure that the slats of the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been certified to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models, which led to the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Look for a model with an auto-locking side for the drop in the upward position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able pull the side down in order to climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets artistically wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed near the baby should be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the possibility of the Baby Cot Bed being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be hung above the cot, as they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads on them when they roll over in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a low-cost option, but it's surprisingly durable. It's suitable for babies all the way to toddlers. It comes with a wide variety of mattress positions and can easily be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a good choice for parents who have ceilings that slope since it has lockable castors to prevent the cot from slipping down.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed can be used from birth until 4 years old. Its unique oval shape means that it won't be snagged in corners, and can easily fit into the standard door frames. The cot can also be transformed into a stylish bench bed for an older child by taking the bars off.
A high-quality piece that's a good investment, this curved cot bed is available in off-white or fashionable green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It's a great option for parents who appreciate longevity, since it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and turning into a twin bed for older children by taking out the front rails. It is also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment with teething rails as well as 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 clothing or bedding or a design that could grow with them. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the transition over simple when your little one outgrows it. Some include drawers built in for storage, and some come with a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, and other things that your child enjoys. It also makes it easier to clean up by putting everything all in one spot. These cots also have anti-bite strips on their sides - ideal for teething infants!
If you're on a budget but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It's minimalist design that's slim and will fit well in most rooms. It can be used with a standard cot bed and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base to increase along with your child. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. There are furniture pieces that be used with it.
It can be difficult to put together (one of our testers said that the instructions were unclear), but once constructed it's light and durable. It also has a unique feature: a tilting feature which can aid with colic and reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can match it with other nursery furnishings to create a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage options is the best cot beds choice. The cots come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some are also equipped with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
You may be able convert your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can even become a junior bed after your baby turns five. This gives you great value for money and guarantees that your cot will remain a part of the family for years to come, but be sure to verify the dimensions to make sure it will fit into the nursery before purchasing.
If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth until two years old and that will grow with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. The classic cot is simple in design, but it comes with a variety of features including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cheap cot bed is simple to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed up by expert advice from international sleep consultants. The investment is high and may not be within the budget of a lot of families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.