Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop babies from falling out of their beds or dying if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have 4 solid sides, which means you can rest assured that your child is secure at all times. They usually come in the fixed size and could be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are perfect for smaller nursery settings and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds, allowing them to watch their child as they sleep. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that stop infants from climbing over the sides. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are typically circular in shape to reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure place for your baby to sleep. They are easily portable and usually come with castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
Many cots are simple and basic. Some have additional features such as teething rails or storage drawers. Natural materials are the best because they are durable and more resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of a cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be turned into a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. This feature is especially useful if you expect to have more than one baby, as it eliminates having to switch between different types of beds and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot-beds are suitable from birth until around two years old dependent on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the ideal alternative. You won't have to bend as much over the side. This is important as back pain is one of the most frequent problems for new mothers and pregnant women especially those who had back injuries previously.
This type of cot means that your baby can be easily reached during the day without needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. It is important to make sure that there is at least 4cm between the base and the mattress to prevent your child from climbing out.
If you're unsure the best cot for your child's needs we suggest calling us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can discuss your options. We can assist you in finding an elegant, safe cot that can grow with your child, and meet all mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top choice. It scored high marks for its easy assembly. The mother tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions with pictures". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails, and 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's durability and solid construction makes it a great option for babies who sleep through the night. But make sure that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats have been 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. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models which resulted in the USA ban on certain unsafe designs. Find a cot with an auto-locking drop side that locks in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed close to the baby should be secured tightly to reduce the risk of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be hung above the cot as they can be strangulating and infants could catch their heads against them when they slumber during their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's robust, this minimalist cot bed is suitable from birth until toddler age. It can be made into a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It is also a great option for parents who have high ceilings that slope. It is equipped with lockable castors to stop the cot from falling down.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that is easily transformed. It can be used by children from birth until age 4. It features a unique oval shape which means it won't be stuck in corners and is able to easily pass through standard door frames. By removing the bars it is possible to transform the cot into a chic bed for older children.
A top-quality piece that's a great investment, this curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It's a great option for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be turned into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely sturdy and has a storage area with teething rails as well as an excellent hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are numerous options on the market, whether you need extra storage for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that can adapt to their needs. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, allowing you to easily switch when your child has outgrown them. Some come with built-in drawers to store things and some even have a changing station!
A crib with drawers is ideal to store everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin cloths or blankets. It helps in tidying up because you can put everything in one location. Many of these cots have anti-bite strips of plastic on the sides - great for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a tight budget and still want a stylish, practical cot. It's a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll be a good fit in any room. It takes a standard mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable heights for the base to grow with your baby. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by taking off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along with it.
Although top ranked cribs 's not easy to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions were not clear) after it's put together, it's light and durable. It has an additional feature: a tilting feature which can help with reflux and colic. It's also available in a range of colors, so you can match it with other nursery furnishings if you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is ideal when you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight but easily accessible. The majority of cots have a drawer that can store lots of essentials and some even have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets, as well as a teething rail to protect the sides of the cot from your little one's chewing urges.
Depending on the design of your cot you might be able to convert it into a toddler bed or a day bed when your child is ready for an upgrade or turn into a junior bed when your child turns five. This is a the best value for money and guarantees that your cot will be a part of the family for many years to come, but be certain to look at the dimensions to ensure it's a good fit for your nursery before buying.
If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to two years and will grow with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. This classic cot is minimalist in design, but it comes with a variety of features including an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also a breeze to assemble with alphabetically labelled components and excellent instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a high-tech solution to get a better night's sleep is a cot bassinet, and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and includes expert advice from international experts. It's a significant investment, however it could be beyond the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.