Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep infants from climbing out of the bed, or suffocating in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four secured sides, so you can rest assured that your baby is safe at all times. Many cots are available in fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are perfect for small nursery settings and can be easily installed alongside the beds of parents, allowing them to keep an eye on their child while they sleep. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that prevent infants from climbing over the sides. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling over the sides, they pose dangerous and should be removed.
Cots are usually circular in shape to help reduce space and 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 easily portable and usually have wheels or castors so you can move them around.
A lot of cots are basic and simple. Some come with extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. Natural materials are the best as they are durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is essential to keep them free of any stuffed pillows or animals, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot-bed is a bigger version of a cot with a removable side and end panels. It can be converted into a toddler's bed when your baby grows out of it. This feature is particularly useful if you expect to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to switch between different types and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to around two years old depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect for those suffering from back pain as it means that you don't have to bend over the side as much. Back pain is a common issue for women who are pregnant and new mothers, particularly if they have 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 worry about your back. You must make sure that there is a minimum of 4 cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from escaping.
If you are unsure about the best cot for your needs We suggest contact us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can talk through your options. We can help you choose a stylish, safe cot that will grow along with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for its ease to put together. The mother tester Gina said it was "a dream to build - very clear instructions and pictures". It also comes with a practical drawer and teething rails plus three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy construction makes it a great option for babies who sleep through the night. crib sets should make sure that the slats on the cot's frame are securely 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 cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this has led to unsafe designs being prohibited in the USA. Choose a cot that auto locks the drop side when it is in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your baby from pulling the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any fabric placed near the baby should be secured tightly to prevent the possibility of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot as they can strangle infants or cause them to fall on their heads as they move around in their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It's also a good choice for parents with ceilings that slope because it comes with castors that can be locked to stop the cot from slipping down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from birth until the child is 4 years old. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't get stuck in corners, and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. By removing the bars you can convert the cot into a chic bed for older children.
A quality piece that's an excellent investment This curved cot bed is available in either off-white or fashionable green and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's a great option for parents who are looking for a long-lasting product. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides and into a twin for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely sturdy and comes with a storage compartment as well as teething rails and a handy hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that could expand with them. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds, so that you can easily change them when your child has outgrown them. Some have built-in drawers for storage, and some even come with a nappy changing station!
A cot with drawers is great for keeping all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths or blankets. It can also make tidying up easier since you can store everything in one space. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips along the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It's a minimalist and sleek design that will fit well in most rooms. It can be used with a standard cot mattress and has three heights that can be adjusted to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be made into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a variety of matching furniture with it.
It's not an easy thing to assemble (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear) However, once it's constructed it's light and long-lasting. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting function which can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a variety of colours too so you can match it with other furniture for your nursery in the event that you want a cohesive look.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect if you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of view but still within reach. The cots come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some also come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
It is possible to convert your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can transform into a junior bed when your baby turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a part of the family for a long time. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a chic cot which can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It can also grow with your child. This classic cot is simple in design, but it comes with a variety of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to assemble with alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot 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. The cost is expensive and may not be within the budget of some families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.