Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent infants from getting out of bed, or suffocating when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots come with four secure sides to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. Many cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for small nurseries and can be placed on top of parents' beds, allowing them to keep an eye on their child while they rest. They have sides that are fixed to prevent babies from stepping over them. But, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a danger to safety and must be removed to prevent your child from falling out of the bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are circular in shape which can help reduce space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a comfortable and safe place for your child to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors that enable you to move them easily.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features like drawers with teething rails or teething rails however, many are basic and basic. Natural materials are the best because they are more durable and resistant to wear. They should be free of stuffed toys or pillows since they can create the risk of suffocation to young children.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be converted into a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. This feature is especially useful in the event that you plan to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to change between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. Most cot beds can be used right from the moment your baby is born until the time he is about two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the best option. You won't need to bend over the side. 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 lets you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day without lifting them or be concerned about your back. However, you need to ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm so that your child can't climb out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you aren't sure which the best cot for your needs. We can talk about your options. We can help you choose an elegant, safe 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 its ease to put together. The mother tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct - extremely clear instructions with photos". It also comes with a practical drawer and teething rails as well as three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot's durability and solid build makes it a good option for babies that do not sleep through the night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed from a sanitized material such as solid wood and that the slats are fixed correctly and not loosened.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot has been certified as meeting 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. Look for a model that auto locks the drop side when in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which will prevent your baby from pulling the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any material placed near a baby should be tucked tightly to reduce the possibility of the baby suffocating. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the crib as they can strangle infants or cause them to crash their heads as they move around in their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly sturdy, this minimalistic cot bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It offers a variety of mattress bases and can easily be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one 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.
cots4totsuk made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that can be easily converted. It can be used by children from birth to age 4. It features an unique oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and will easily fit through door frames that are standard. The cot can also be converted into a stylish bench bed for older children by lifting the bars.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will create a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in stylish green and off-white. It's a top choice for parents who value longevity, since it can be made into an infant bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for older children by taking out the front rails. It is also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment as well as teething rails and an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding or need a design that can adapt to their needs, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the transition over simple when your child outgrows it. Other cots come with built-in drawers for storage, and some come with a changing station included!
It's handy to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins, and other things that your child enjoys. It also makes it easier to clean up since everything is all in one spot. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips on the sides - 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 slim and simple design can be incorporated in any room. It can be used with a standard cot and has three adjustable heights for the base, allowing it to grow as your child grows. It can be made into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels, and there's a range of matching furniture with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to build (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions were not clear) Once it's assembled, it is lightweight and sturdy. It has an additional feature: a tilting function that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It's also available in a range of colors, so you can coordinate it with other furniture for your nursery to create a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight, but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage options is the best choice. The cots come with an area to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
Based on the style of your cot you might be able to turn it into a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for an upgrade, and some can even be converted into a junior bed when your child is five. This gives you the best value for money and will ensure that your cot will remain part of the family for a long time to come, but make sure to check the dimensions to ensure it's a good fit for your nursery before buying.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a chic cot that can be used for babies up to two years old. It will also grow with your child. This classic cot has a simple design, but it offers many features like an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage and a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is easy to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to better sleep it's a cot, moses basket, and bassinet all in one. It's designed to revolutionize how babies sleep, and is backed by expert advice from international experts. It's an investment, however it could be priced out of the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.