Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep babies from climbing out of the bed or becoming suffocated if they fall into gaps 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 at all times. They often come in an unchanging size, and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for small nurseries and can be fitted alongside parents' beds, allowing them to keep an eye on their baby whilst they sleep. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that prevent infants from climbing over the sides. However, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a safety hazard and should be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are generally circular in shape to reduce space and are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and secure space for your baby to sleep. They are easy to transport and typically have castors or wheels so you can move them around.
A lot of cots are simple and basic. Some have additional features like teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best as they are durable and more resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be converted into a toddler bed once your child has outgrown it. This feature is particularly useful in the event that you plan to have more than one baby, as it eliminates having to change between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. most recommended cribs cot beds can be used right from birth until your infant is around two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
If you are suffering from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the ideal alternative. You won't need to bend as much over the side. Back back pain is a common occurrence for pregnant women and new mothers, especially when they've had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot also means that your baby will be reached more easily during the day without you having to worry about your back or lifting them. You must ensure that there is at least 4 cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from escaping.
We suggest that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if you are unsure which cot will best cot bed suit your requirements. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can assist you in finding the most secure, stylish cot that grows with your child, and meet all safety standards that are required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It scored high marks for its easy assembly. Gina, a mum tester, said it was "a easy assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails as well as three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot's strength and solid structure makes it an excellent option for babies that do not sleep through the night. However, you must ensure that the sale cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood, and that the slats are secured properly and not too loose.
Verify that the cot is certified to meet British safety regulations. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models and this led to the USA ban on certain dangerous designs. Find a cot with an auto-locking side for the drop in the up 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
While photos of styled nursery pictures might show blankets that are artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed near the cheap baby cots should be pulled in tightly to avoid the danger of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be left hanging over the cot, as they could be strangulation hazards and children could get their heads against them when they roll over during their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly sturdy, this minimalistic crib bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It has a wide range of mattress base positions and is easily transformed into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great option for parents with ceilings that slope as it has lockable castors to prevent the cot from slipping down.
This cot bed made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that can be easily transformed. It can be used by children from birth up to age 4. It features an unique oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
A quality piece that's an excellent 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, as it can be made into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and into a twin bed for older children by removing the front rails. It's also extremely sturdy and comes with a storage compartment, teething rails, and an excellent hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you need 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 switch over simple when your child outgrows it. Some have built in drawers for storage and others even include a changing station included!
A crib with drawers is ideal to store all your little one's favourite toys, muslin towels or blankets. It also makes tidying up easier since you can store everything in one place. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite strips of plastic on the sides - great for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget and nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It has a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll be a good fit in any room. It can be used with a standard cot and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base, allowing it to grow as your child grows. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a selection of matching furniture to go with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to construct (one of our testers complained that the instructions were not clear) after it's put together, it's lightweight and strong. It also has an added benefit: a tilting feature that can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery if you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you want your baby's toys and bedding away from view but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage will be ideal. The majority of cots have a drawer that can keep a variety of items, and some have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets as well as a teething rail to protect the sides of your cot from your child's tooth-gnashing urges.
Depending on the design of your cot, you may be able to transform it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change and some transform into a junior bed once your child turns five. This is a great value for money and guarantees that your cot will remain part of the family for years to come, but be sure to check the dimensions to ensure it will fit into the nursery before purchasing.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and that will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. The classic cot features an easy design, but it has numerous features, including an under-bed drawer to store items as well as a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to assemble, 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 all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and includes expert advice from international consultants. It's an investment, however it could be out of budget for many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.