Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop infants from getting out of bed, or suffocating in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's security at all times. A lot of cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be made into a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily placed on top of the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their child while they sleep. The cots are designed with fixed sides to stop babies from stepping over them. But, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous and must be removed in order to prevent your child from falling off of the their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are circular in shape that helps to save space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and offer a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are easy to move between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors that enable you to move them with ease.
Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some have extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. Natural materials are the best as they are durable and more resistant to wear. They should be free of toys and pillows as they could pose danger of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot that has removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be transformed into a toddler bed after your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you expect to have more than one baby, as it eliminates having to switch between different types and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. Most cribs are suitable from birth until your child is two years old, depending on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect for those suffering from back pain because it means you aren't bending over the side as much. Back pain is a common issue for women who are pregnant and new mothers, particularly those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot also means that your baby will be easily reached during the day without you having to worry about your back or lifting them. However, you need to ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child can't climb out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if you aren't sure which the best cot for your requirements. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can help you find an elegant, safe cot that will grow with your child, and meet all safety standards that are required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top choice. It received high marks for its ease of assembly. Mum tester Gina said it was "a dream to build - extremely clear instructions with photos". It includes teething rails and a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.
The cot's strength and solid build makes it a good option for babies that sleep through the night. But make sure that the cot is made from a safe material like solid wood and that the slats are secured properly and not too loose.
Verify that the cot is certified as meeting British safety standards. Before 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. Find a cot with an auto-locking drop side that locks in the up position. best cot beds will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able to pull the side down in order to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed near a baby should be tucked tightly to reduce the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be left hanging over the cot, as they could be strangulation hazards and children could get their heads on them if they roll over during their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth until toddler age. It comes with a wide variety of mattress positions and is easily transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It is also a great choice for parents with high ceilings that slope. It comes with lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
This cot bed made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that is easily transformed. It can be used by children from birth to age 4. Its unique oval shape means that it will not get caught in corners, and can easily fit into the standard door frames. The cot can also be converted into a chic bench-style bed for a child who is older by simply lifting the bars.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that will make a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in stylish green and off-white. It is a great choice for parents who are looking for a durable product. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing its sides or into a twin bed for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and has a storage area, teething rails, and an excellent hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or need a design that can grow with them There are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds, allowing you to easily switch when your child outgrows them. Some come with built-in drawers that can be used for storage and some even include a changing station!
It's handy to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins or other things that your child loves. It is also easier to clean up, as everything is in one place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips along the sides - ideal for teething infants!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. Its slim and simple design will fit in the majority of rooms. It can be used with a standard cot and has three adjustable heights for the base to grow with your child. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels and there's a selection of furniture that can be used with it.
It's not an easy thing to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions were unclear) However, once it's constructed it is light and long-lasting. It also has an added bonus: a tilting feature that can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a range of colors, meaning you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery if you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you want your baby's toys and bedding away from sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage is ideal. These cots have drawers to store the essentials. Some also come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
You might be able to transform your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can even be converted into a junior bed once your child reaches 5. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a family member for many years. Make sure you check its dimensions before purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a stylish cot that is suitable for infants up to 2 years old. It can also grow with your child. This classic cot has an unassuming design, however it offers many features like an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage and a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from experts from around the world. It's a significant investment, however it may be priced out of the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.