Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop babies from falling out of their beds, or suffocating in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They shouldn't have protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots come with four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's security at all times. Many cots come in fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are perfect for small nurseries and can be easily placed on top of parents' beds and allow parents to keep an eye on their child while they rest. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over them. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling, these sides are an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are usually circular in shape to reduce space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and offer a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors to enable you to move them easily.
Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails or drawers but many are simple and basic. Natural materials are the best because they are durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot-bed can be a bigger version than a cot, with removable sides and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is especially useful if you are expecting to have more than one child since it will eliminate the need to switch between different types of furniture and saves money on buying separate beds. The majority of cribs are suitable from birth until your child is two years old, depending on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the ideal alternative. It won't require you to bend over the side. This is important as back pain is one of the most common issues among pregnant women and new parents especially those who had back injuries previously.
This type of cot also means that your baby will be reached more easily during the day without you needing to worry about your back or lifting them. You must make sure that there is at least 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to stop your child from climbing out.
We suggest that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if you are unsure which cot will best suit your requirements. We can discuss your options. We can help you choose an attractive, safe cot that will develop with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being easy to construct. Mum tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct with extremely clear instructions with photos". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails and three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's strength and solid build makes it a good option 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 have been fixed correctly and not loosened.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot is certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models, and this has led to some dangerous designs being outlawed in the USA. Find a cot that auto locks the drop side when in the up position and 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 that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any fabric 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 left hanging over the crib as they can strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads as they move around in their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a bargain however, it's extremely durable. It's suitable for babies up to toddlers. It comes with a wide variety of mattress base positions and is easily converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great choice for parents with ceilings that slope, since it has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that is easily transformed. It can be used by children as young as to age 4. Its unique oval shape means that it doesn't be snagged in corners and can easily fit into the standard door frames. The cot can also be transformed into a chic bench-style bed for an older child by removing the bars.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will make an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in stylish green and off-white. It's a great choice for parents who value longevity, as it can be made into a toddler bed by taking out the sides, and then into a twin bed for a child who is older by removing the front rails. It's also extremely durable and has a storage area, teething rails, and an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that could adapt to their needs. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, allowing you to easily change them when your child outgrows them. cots offers have built-in drawers for storage, and some even include a changing station!
A cot with drawers is great for keeping all your child's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets in, and it can also make tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one location. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite strips of plastic on the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a tight budget and nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. Its slimline and minimalist design will work in any room. It takes an ordinary mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable base heights to grow with your baby. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that accompany it.
It's not easy to put together (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It also has a unique feature: a tilting feature which can aid with reflux and colic. It's also available in a range of colours, so you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery if you want a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect for those who want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of view but easily accessible. 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 transform your cot into a daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can become a junior bed after your child turns 5. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a family member for many years. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it will fit 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 many features like an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage, a teething rail, and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is easy to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and includes expert advice from international experts. The investment is high and may not be within the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.