Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots stop infants from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and cot. They shouldn't have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots come with four secure sides to ensure your baby's security at all times. They are usually of the fixed size and could be converted to a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for small nurseries and can be easily placed on top of parents' beds which allows parents to keep an eye on their child while they rest. They are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent babies from climbing on the sides. However, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a safety hazard and should be removed to prevent your child from falling off of the their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots have a circular shape that helps to in reducing space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and secure space for your baby to sleep in. They are able to be easily moved between spaces and are often on wheels or castors that allow you to move them with ease.
Some cots come with extra features, like drawers or teething rails, but many are simple and basic. 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 stuffed toys or pillows since they can create a risk of suffocation for children who are still young.
A cot-bed is a larger version than a cot, with removable sides and end panels. It can be converted into a toddler's bed once your child grows out of it. This feature is particularly useful if you are expecting to have more than one child as it eliminates the need to switch between different types of furniture and saves money on buying separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used right from birth until your infant is about two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the ideal option. You won't have to bend over the side. Back pain is a common problem for pregnant women and newly mothers, particularly when they've had back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day without lifting them or worry about your back. You must make sure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base and the mattress to avoid your child from escaping.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure about which cot is best for your requirements. We can talk about your options. We can help you find the most secure, stylish cot that can grow with your child, meeting all safety standards that are required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It was praised for its ease of assembly. Gina mother tester said it was "a easy assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". It comes with a teething rail as well as a drawer to store things in and three different mattress height positions.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy build makes it a good option for babies that sleep through the night. But you should check that the cot is made from a sanitized material such as solid wood, and that the slats are fixed in a proper manner and not too loose.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot has been certified as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models, which led to the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Find a cot that automatically locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your baby from pulling the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any fabric placed near the baby should be secured tightly to avoid the possibility of the baby suffocating. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the crib as they can strangle babies or cause them to hit their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain but it's actually quite sturdy. It's suitable for babies up to toddlers. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing a side panel. It's also a good option for parents with ceilings that slope as it has lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling down.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from birth until the child is 4 years old. It has an unique oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through door frames that are standard. By removing the bars, it is possible to transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
A quality piece that's a great investment This curved cot bed is available in off-white or stylish green, and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's a top option for parents who appreciate durability, since it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for older children by cutting off the front rails. It is also extremely durable and has a storage area with teething rails as well as an excellent hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or want a design that will evolve with your child, there are plenty of options on the market. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the transition to a toddler bed easy once your child outgrows it. Other cots include drawers built in to store things in and some come with a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, or other items that your child enjoys. It is also easier to clean up since everything is all in one place. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite strips of plastic on the sides - great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget but still want a stylish, practical cot. It has a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll work well in all rooms. It takes a standard crib mattress and has three adjustable base heights to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be made into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a variety of furniture that can be used with it.
It's not an easy thing to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions were unclear) However, once it's constructed it's light and long-lasting. It also has an added benefit: a tilting feature which can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a variety of colours, so you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery if you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage options is the best choice. They come with drawers to store the essentials. Some come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the design of your cot, you may be able to transform it into a toddler bed or day bed when your child is ready for an upgrade or be converted into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a great way to save money and Cots4Tots make your cot a family member for many years. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.
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, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. This classic cot has an easy design, but it has numerous features, including an under-bed drawer to store items and a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to better sleep it's a cot, bassinet, and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionise the way that babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from international sleep experts. It's an investment, though it may be priced out of the budget of many families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.