Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent infants from climbing out of the bed or dying when they fall into the gaps 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 throughout the day. They often come in the fixed size and could be converted into a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed alongside the parents' bed, giving parents to see their child while they rest. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that stop babies from climbing on the sides. However, once babies can crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and should be removed to prevent your child from falling out of bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are usually circular in shape to help 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 spaces and are often mounted on wheels or on castors to enable you to move them easily.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features such as teething rails or drawers however, many are basic and basic. Natural materials are the best because they are durable and resistant to wear. They should be free of stuffed toys or pillows as they could pose a risk of suffocation for children who are still young.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot which includes removable sides and an end panel, meaning it can be converted into a toddler bed when your child has outgrown it. This feature is particularly useful in the event that you're planning to have more than one child since it will eliminate the need to switch between different kinds of furniture and helps save money by purchasing separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to about two years of age depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect for those suffering from back pain because it means that you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is important as back pain is one of the most common issues among pregnant women and new parents particularly those who have previously hurt their backs.
This kind of cot allows your baby to be reached more easily throughout the day without you having to worry about your back or lifting them. You must ensure that there is a minimum of 4 cm between the base and the mattress to prevent your child from escaping.
If you're unsure the best cot for your child's needs we suggest calling Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you choose an elegant, safe cot that will grow with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top choice. It scored high marks for its ease of assembly. Mom tester Gina said it was "a dream to build - very clear instructions and pictures". 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 strength and solid structure makes it an excellent option for babies that sleep through the night. But make sure that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats are fixed correctly and not loosened.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot is certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models, and this has led to some unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side in the upward position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able to pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
While photos of styled nursery pictures may show blankets adorably draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant deaths, all fabrics placed near the baby should be tucked in tightly to reduce the risk of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the cot since they could strangle babies or cause them to fall on their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly sturdy, this minimalistic crib bed is suitable from birth until toddler age. It offers a variety of mattress bases and is easily transformed into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It is also a great choice for parents who have high ceilings that slope. It has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from birth until four years old. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't be snagged in corners and can easily fit into standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can convert the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
A high-quality piece that's an excellent investment This curved cot bed is available in either off-white or fashionable green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It's a great choice for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed 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 includes an storage drawer and teething rails as well as a handy hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that can expand with them. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the change over easy when your little one outgrows it. Other cots come with built-in drawers to store things in and some come with a changing station included!
A crib with drawers is ideal for keeping all your little one's favourite toys, muslin towels or blankets, and it also makes tidying up easier as you can keep everything in the same place. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips on the sides - great for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget and still want a chic, practical cot. It's a minimalist design that's slim and will fit well in most rooms. It is compatible with a standard mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable base heights to allow your baby to grow with it. cots offers can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to be used with it.
It can be difficult to put together (one of our test subjects said that the instructions were unclear) However, once it's constructed, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting feature which can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a variety of colours, so you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery if you want a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage options is the best choice. They come with drawers to store the essentials. Some come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the style of your cot you might be able to turn it into a toddler bed or day bed when your child is ready for an upgrade and some be converted into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a member of the family for a long time. Be sure to check its dimensions before purchasing to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.
If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and will develop with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. The classic cot features an easy design, but it has many features such as an under-bed drawer to store items, a teething rail, and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is simple to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize how babies sleep, and comes with expert advice from experts from around the world. It's a significant investment, however it may be out of budget for many families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.