Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent babies from falling out of their beds, 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 safety at all times. A lot of cots are available in a fixed-size and can be transformed into a toddler bed if your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily placed on top of the parents' bed, giving them a view of their child as they lay down. The cots are designed with fixed sides to stop babies from stepping over them. When your baby is able to stand and crawl over the sides, they pose a safety risk and should be removed.
Cots are typically circular to help reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and secure space for your baby to sleep. They are easily portable and often come with castors or wheels so you can move them around.
Many cots are simple and basic. Some have extra features like teething rails or drawers for storage. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials as these are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, since they can cause children to drown.
A cot-bed is a bigger version than a cot, with removable sides and end panels. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers when your baby grows out of it. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that you plan to have more than one baby since it makes it easier to change between different types and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used right from the moment your baby is born until the time he is around two years old, depending on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop-side is ideal for those who suffer from back pain because it means you do not have to bend over the side as much. This is important as back pain is among the most common problems amongst pregnant women and new parents especially those who suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot means that your baby will be reached more easily throughout the day without you needing to worry about your back or lifting them. It is essential to ensure that there is at least 4 cm between the base and the mattress to avoid your child from climbing out.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if you are unsure about which cot will best suit your needs. great crib can discuss your options. We can help you find a safe, stylish cot that will grow with your child and meet all safety standards that are required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for being easy to construct. Mum tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct - extremely clear instructions with photos". It also comes with a handy teething rails and drawers, plus 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's strength and solid build makes it a good option for babies who can sleep all night. It is important to ensure that the cot's slats and frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot is certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models, which resulted in the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Find a cot that locks automatically 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 climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery might show blankets that are artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed near the baby should be tucked in tightly to reduce the danger of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be left hanging over the cot, as they can be strangulating and babies can catch their heads on them when they roll over during their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's sturdy, this minimalistic cot bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing a side panel. It is also a great choice for parents who have sloped ceilings, as it is equipped with lockable castors to prevent the cot falling down.
This cot bed made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that can be easily converted. It can be used by children from birth up to age 4. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't get caught in corners, and it can easily fit into standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a stylish bench-style bed for an older child by simply lifting the bars.
A top-quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot is available in either off-white or fashionable green and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be converted 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 as well as teething rails and a handy hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you want extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that could grow with them. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the switch to a toddler bed easy once your little one outgrows it. Some include drawers built in for storage and others even include a changing station included!
A cot with drawers is handy to keep everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets. It helps in tidying up as you can keep everything in one location. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips on the sides, which are great for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a budget but still want a stylish, practical cot. Its slimline and simple design can be incorporated in the majority of rooms. It can be used with an ordinary cot mattress and has three adjustable heights for the base to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to put together (one of our testers noted that the instructions were not clear), once it's constructed it's lightweight and strong. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting function that can aid in treating colic or reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can match it with other nursery furnishings if you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of view but easily accessible. They come with drawers to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.
You might be able to transform your cot into a daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can even transform into a junior bed when your child turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a part of the family for a long time. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and will develop with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. The 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 put together with alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed up with expert advice from international sleep experts. The investment is high and may not be within the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.