Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop infants from climbing out of the bed or dying in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. They are usually of the fixed size and could be converted into a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are perfect for smaller nurseries and can be easily installed alongside the beds of parents and allow parents to watch their child while they sleep. They have sides that are fixed to prevent babies from stepping over them. However, once babies can 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 the their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are typically circular in shape to save space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and safe space for your child to sleep. They are portable and typically come with castors or wheels so you can move them around.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features such as teething rails or drawers but most are basic. The best cots are made from natural materials since they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is essential to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, since they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot-bed is a bigger version than a cot, with a removable side and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your child grows out of it. This feature is particularly beneficial when you plan to have more than one child as it eliminates the necessity of switching between different kinds of furniture and helps save money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth until around two years old dependent on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect if you suffer from back pain as it means that you don't have to bend over the side as much. Back pain is a common problem for pregnant women and newly mothers, especially when they've had back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows your baby to be reached more easily during the day without you needing to worry about your back or lifting them. However, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the cot is at least 4cm so that your child isn't able to climb out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if are unsure about which the best cot for your requirements. We can discuss your options. We can help you find an elegant, safe cot that grows with your child, meeting all safety standards required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being easy to put together. Gina, a mum tester said it was "a easy assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It also comes with a practical drawer and teething rails plus three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's durability and solid build makes it a good option for babies who sleep through the night. Make sure that the cot's slats and frame are properly secured and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot has been inspected to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this has led to dangerous designs being banned in the USA. Choose a cot that automatically locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent your baby from being able to pull the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any fabric placed near babies should be tucked tightly to avoid the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot as they can strangle infants or cause them to hit their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It has a wide range of mattress positions and is easily converted into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a good option for parents with ceilings that slope since it has lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that is easily transformed. It can be used by children as young as to age 4. It features an unusual oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and will easily fit through door frames that are standard. By removing the bars you can transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that can be an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in a stylish green and off-white. It's a great choice for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing its sides and then into a twin bed for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly durable and comes with storage drawers and teething rails as well as an easy hanging rail to hang 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 converted into toddler beds, making the switch over easy when your child outgrows it, while others come with built-in drawers for storage and others even include a changing station included!
A cot with drawers is handy for keeping all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets in, and it also makes tidying up easier because you can put everything in one place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips along the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a tight budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It's a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll be a good fit in any room. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot bed and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base to increase along with your child. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that accompany it.
It's not an easy thing to put together (one of our testers said that the instructions were unclear), but once constructed it is light and long-lasting. It also has an added benefit: a tilting function that can aid in treating colic or reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors so you can match it to other furniture in the nursery in the event that you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal when 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 have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets as well as teething rails to guard the sides of your cot from chewing urges.
Based on the style of your cot, you may be able to convert it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change or turn into a junior bed after your child turns five. This gives you an excellent value for money and guarantees that your cot will remain an integral part of your family for a long time to come, but make sure to verify 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 Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot is simple in design but offers plenty of features like an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to get a better night's sleep, is a cot, bassinet, and moses basket in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed up by the expertise of internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's a significant investment, however, and may be priced out of the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.