Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent babies from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and cot. They shouldn't have protrusions or sharp edges.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's safety at all times. Many cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be placed on top of the parents' bed, giving them a view of their child as they lay down. These cots have fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing over them. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a danger to safety and should be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are circular in shape that helps to save space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are easy to move between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors to allow you to move them with ease.
Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some have additional features like teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best because they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of any toys or pillows as these can pose a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot-bed is a bigger version than a cot, with a removable side and end panels. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers when your child grows out of it. This feature is especially useful if you are expecting to have more than one child because it eliminates the necessity of switching between different kinds of furniture, and also saves money on separate beds. Most cribs can be used right from birth until your child is around two years old, based on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back discomfort, a cot that has a drop-side is the best option. You won't need to bend over the side. Back pain is a common problem for pregnant women and new mothers, especially those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot means that your baby will be reached more easily throughout the day without needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. However, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm in order that your child isn't able to climb out.
If you're unsure the best cot for your child's needs We suggest calling us at Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can assist you in choosing a stylish, safe cot that will grow along with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It was praised for its ease of assembly. Mom tester Gina said that it was "a dream to build - very clear instructions and pictures". It also comes with a practical drawer and teething rails, and 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's durability and solid build makes it a good choice for babies who sleep through the night. But you should check that the cot is made from a safe material like solid wood, and that the slats are fixed correctly and not loosened.
Check to see if 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 unsafe designs. Look for a model that automatically locks the drop side when in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent your baby from being able to pull the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
While styled nursery photos may show blankets adorably draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed near the baby must be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the possibility of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the cot since they can strangle babies or cause them to hit their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a budget buy however, it's extremely 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 since it has castors that can be locked to stop the cot from falling.
This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that is easily transformed. It can be used by children from birth up to age 4. It features an unusual oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through door frames that are standard. The cot can also be transformed into a stylish bench-style bed for older children by simply lifting the bars.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will create an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in a stylish green and off-white. It's a great option for parents who are seeking a durable item. It can be transformed into a bed for cots4tots toddlers by removing its sides or into a twin bed for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely sturdy and has a storage area as well as teething rails and a handy hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or are looking for a design that will evolve with your child, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds so that you can easily change them when your child has outgrown them. Some have built-in drawers to store things and some have a changing station!
A crib with drawers is ideal for keeping all your child's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets. It can also make tidying up easier since you can store everything in one location. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips on the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
If you're looking to save money but still need a chic and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It has a minimalist design that's slim and will work well in all rooms. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base to grow along with your child. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to go along with it.
It's not easy to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions were unclear), but once constructed it's light and durable. It has an additional feature: a tilting function which can aid with reflux and colic. It's also available in a variety of colors so you can match it to other furniture in the nursery if you're going for a cohesive appearance.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view but still within reach. These cots have a drawer to store all the essentials. Some are also equipped with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
It is possible to convert your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can be converted into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This gives you great value for money and ensures that your cot will remain an integral part of your family for many years to come, but be sure to check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate for your nursery before buying.
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 take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. This classic cot has an easy design, but it offers numerous features, including an under-bed drawer for storage as well as a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed by the expertise of international sleep consultants. The cost is expensive and may not fit into the budget of some families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.