Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop babies from climbing out of the bed or becoming suffocated in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have four solid sides, which means you can be sure your baby is safe throughout the day. Many cots come in fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for small nurseries and can be installed alongside the beds of parents and allow parents to keep an eye on their baby whilst they rest. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides to prevent children from climbing over the sides. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and should be removed to stop your child from falling out of the their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are typically circular to help reduce space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure place for your baby to sleep. They are easy to move between spaces and are often on wheels or castors to enable you to move them with ease.
Many cots are simple and basic. Some have additional features, like teething rails or drawers for storage. The best cots are made of natural materials because they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is essential to keep them free of stuffed pillows or animals, as they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot-bed is a bigger version than a cot, with removable sides and end panels. It can be converted into a toddler's bed once your baby grows out of it. This feature is particularly useful when you plan to have more than one child because it eliminates the need to switch between different kinds of furniture, and also saves money on buying separate beds. The majority of cot beds are suitable from birth until your child is two years old, based on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop-side is ideal 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 issue for pregnant women and new mothers, especially those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day, without having to lift them or worry about your back. But, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm so that your child can't get out.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if you are unsure about which the best cot bed cot for your needs. We can discuss your options. We can assist you in finding a safe, stylish cot that can grow with your child, and meet all safety standards that are required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for its ease to construct. Gina mother tester has said that it was "a simple assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy construction makes it a great choice for babies who sleep through the night. Make sure that the cot's slats and frame are properly secured and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot is certified as meeting British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cheap cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models, and this has led to some unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Look for a model that auto locks the drop side when it is in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your baby from being able to pull the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any fabric placed near a baby should be tucked tightly to reduce the possibility of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be left hanging over the cot, since they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads against them when they roll over in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain however, it's extremely sturdy. It's suitable for babies up to toddlers. It offers a variety of mattress base positions and can be easily transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a good choice for parents with ceilings that slope since it has castors that can be locked to stop the cot from falling down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed is used from birth until four years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it will not be snagged in corners, and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. By removing the bars you can convert the cot into a chic bed for older children.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that will create an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in a stylish green and off-white. It's a great choice for parents who are seeking a durable item. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides and into a twin for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely sturdy and includes a storage compartment with teething rails as well as an excellent hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding or are looking for a design that will adapt to their needs There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds so that you can quickly switch them out when your child outgrows them. Some have built-in drawers that can be used for storage, and some even come with a nappy changing station!
It's handy to have a cot with drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins, or other items that your child enjoys. It also makes it easier to clean up since everything is all in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips on the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a tight budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It has a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll work well in all rooms. It takes an ordinary crib mattress and has three heights that can be adjusted to grow with your baby. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels and there's a range of furniture that can be used with it.
Although it's not easy to construct (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, it's lightweight and strong. It also comes with a bonus: a tilting feature which can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a variety of colours, so you can coordinate it with other furniture for your nursery to create a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight however, they are still within reach, a cot sale with storage will be ideal. The cots 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 a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for an upgrade or be converted into a junior bed once your child turns five. This gives you great value for money and ensures that your cot will be part of the family for a long time to come, but be sure to verify the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate for your nursery before buying.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a stylish cot that can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It can also grow with your child. The classic cot is simple in design, but it comes with a variety of features like an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed by expert advice from international sleep experts. The cost is expensive and might not be within the budget of some families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.