Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby Crib?
Cots are designed to prevent infants from climbing out of the bed, or suffocating in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's security throughout the day. Many cots come in a fixed-size and can be transformed into a toddler bed if your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for smaller nurseries and can be fitted alongside parents' beds which allows parents to watch their child while they sleep. These cots have fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing over them. But, once babies can crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and must be removed to stop your child from falling out of bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner that helps to in reducing space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and secure place for your baby to sleep in. They are portable and typically come with wheels or castors so you can move them around.
A lot of cots are basic and straightforward. Some have extra features, like teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best since they are durable and more resistant to wear. They should be kept free of stuffed toys or pillows as they could pose a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of a cot that has removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly useful in the event that you're planning to have more than one child as it will eliminate the need to switch between different types of furniture and saves money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used right from the moment your baby is born until the time he is around two years old, depending on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
If you are suffering from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best baby cots alternative. You won't need to bend as much over the side. Back pain is a common issue for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day, without having to lift them or be concerned about your back. However, 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 can't climb out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if aren't sure which cot will best suit your requirements. We can discuss your options. We can help you select the most stylish, safe cot that will grow along with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
Our top ranked cribs pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being simple to construct. Mum tester Gina said that it was "a dream to build - extremely clear instructions with photos". It includes teething rails, a drawer for storage and three different mattress height positions.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy construction makes it a great choice for babies who sleep through the night. It is important to ensure that the slats of the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot is certified to be in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this has led to some dangerous designs being banned in the USA. Look for a model that automatically locks the drop side when in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your child from being able to pull the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
While styled nursery photos might show blankets that are artistically wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, any fabrics that are placed near the baby must be tucked in tightly to reduce the risk of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging over the cot for sale, since they can be strangulating and children could get their heads on them if they slumber during their sleep.
This cot-bed that is minimalistic is a bargain but it's actually quite durable. It's suitable for infants to toddlers. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a good cribs option for parents who have ceilings that slope as it has castors that lock to prevent the cot from falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed is used from birth until the child is 4 years old. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't get caught in corners and can easily fit into the standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can transform the cot into a chic bed for older children.
A top-quality piece that's an excellent investment, this curved cot bed is available in off-white or fashionable green and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's a top choice for parents who value durability, since it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for a child who is older by removing the front rails. It is also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment with teething rails as well as a handy hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are numerous options on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that will adapt to their needs. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the switch over simple when your child outgrows it. Other cots have built in drawers for storage, and some have a changing area included!
A cot with drawers is handy to keep all your little one's favourite toys, muslin cloths or blankets. It can also make tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one place. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips along the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. Its slim and simple design can be incorporated in any room. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot bed and comes with three heights adjustable for the base to increase as your child grows. It can be made into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels and there's a range of matching furniture with it.
It's not an easy thing to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built, it is lightweight and durable. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting feature that can help with colic or reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery if you want 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 that has storage options is the best choice. The cots come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the design of your cot you might be able to transform it into a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for an upgrade or be converted into a junior bed when your child turns five. This provides you with the best value for money and ensures that your cot will be a part of the family for a long time to come, but be sure to check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate for the nursery before purchasing.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and will develop with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. This classic crib is simple in its design but offers plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also a breeze to assemble with alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It is set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and comes with expert advice from international consultants. It's a significant investment, however, and may be beyond the budget of many families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.