Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent children from falling out of their beds or becoming suffocated in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have protrusions or sharp edges.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's security at all times. A lot of cots are available in a fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be placed on top of the parents' bed, allowing them to view their child while they lay down. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that stop infants from climbing over the sides. But, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous and should be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner which can help save space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They can be easily moved between rooms and are usually mounted on wheels or on castors to allow you to move them with ease.
A lot of cots are simple and basic. Some have extra features such as teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best as they are more durable and resistant to wear. It is essential to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, since they can suffocate young children.
A cot-bed can be a bigger version of a cot with a removable side and end panels. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers when your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is especially useful in the event that you plan to have more than one baby since it makes it easier to switch between different types and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to around two years old, depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop side is ideal for those who suffer from back pain since it means you do not have to bend over the side as much. This is important as back pain is among the most frequent problems for pregnant women and new parents, especially those who have had back injuries previously.
This type of cot also allows your baby to be reached more easily throughout the day without you having to be concerned about your back or lifting them. It is important to make sure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to avoid your child from escaping.
If you're not sure the best cot for your needs, we recommend calling Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you choose a stylish and safe cot that can develop with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being easy to construct. Mum tester Gina said that it was "a dream to build - very clear instructions with pictures". It comes with teething rails as well as a drawer to store things in and 3 different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot is an excellent option for babies who sleep all night. However, you must ensure whether the cot is constructed from a safe material like solid wood, and that the slats are fixed in a proper manner and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot is certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models which resulted in the USA ban on certain dangerous designs. Choose a cot that automatically locks the drop side when in the up position. Best cot for newborn requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your baby from being able to pull the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any material placed near a baby should be tucked tightly to reduce the risk of the baby suffocating. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the cot as they could strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a bargain but it's actually quite sturdy. It's suitable for babies to toddlers. It can be made into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It is also a great choice for parents who have sloped ceilings, as it has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until four years old. It has an unique oval shape that means it won't get stuck in corners and will easily fit through door frames that are standard. By removing the bars you can transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
A top-quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot bed is available in off-white or fashionable green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents who are seeking a durable item. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing its sides, or into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly sturdy and comes with an storage drawer, teething rails and an easy hanging rail to hang muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
There are numerous options on the market, whether you want extra storage space for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that could expand with them. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds, allowing you to easily change them when your child is old enough to use them. Others have built-in drawers to store things, and some even come with a nappy changing station!
A crib with drawers is ideal to keep all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths or blankets. It helps in tidying up since you can store everything in the same space. The cots also come with anti-bite strips along the sides, which are great for teething infants!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a budget but still want a stylish, practical cot. Its slim and simple design will fit in most rooms. It can be used with an ordinary cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base, allowing it to grow with your child. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels and there's a variety of matching furniture with it.
Although it's not easy to build (one of our testers noted that the instructions were not clear), once it's constructed it is lightweight and sturdy. It comes with a further feature: a tilting feature which can help with colic and reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can pair it with other nursery furnishings if you want a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view but within easy reach. The majority of cots have a handy drawer where you can keep a variety of items and some come with 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 teething inclinations.
Based on the design of your cot, you may be able to convert it into an infant bed or a day bed when your child is ready for a change and some be converted into a junior bed when your baby turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a family member for many years. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
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 Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. This classic crib is simple in its design, but it comes with a variety of features like an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to build, with alphabetically labeled 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's set to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed up with expert advice from international sleep consultants. The price is high and may not be within the budget of a lot of families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.