Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop infants from falling out of their beds, or suffocating when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four secure sides to ensure your baby's security at all times. They usually come in a fixed size and may be converted to a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed beside the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their child while they rest. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing over them. But, once babies can crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and must be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are circular in shape which can help in reducing space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure space for your baby to sleep. They can be easily moved between spaces and are often on wheels or castors to allow you to move them around easily.
Some cots have extra features like drawers with teething rails or teething rails however, many are basic and basic. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of stuffed toys or pillows since they can create danger of suffocation for children who are still young.
A cot-bed can be a bigger version of a cot with removable sides and end panels. It can be converted into a toddler's bed once your baby grows out of it. This feature is particularly useful if you are expecting to have more than one child because it eliminates the need to switch between various kinds of furniture and helps save money on separate beds. The majority of cot-beds are suitable from birth to about two years of age, depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you are suffering from back pain, a cot with a drop-side is the best option. You won't need to bend as much over the side. This is important as back pain is among the most common problems amongst pregnant women and new parents, especially those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot means that your baby will be reached more easily during the day without 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 a minimum of 4cm so that your child can't climb out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if are unsure about which cot is best for your requirements. We can talk about your options. We can assist you in choosing the most stylish and safe cot that can develop with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being easy to put together. Gina mom test-sitting, said it was "a breeze to assemble - very clear and illustrated instructions". It includes a teething rail as well as a drawer to store things in and three different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy construction makes it a great choice for babies who sleep through the night. It is important to ensure that the slats of the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot is certified to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models and this resulted in the USA ban on certain unsafe designs. Find a cot that auto locks the drop side when in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your baby from being able to pull the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed near the baby should be secured tightly to reduce the risk of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be hung above the cot, as they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads on them if they roll over in their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a budget buy, but it's surprisingly durable. It's suitable for babies up to toddlers. It has a wide range of mattress bases and can easily be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a great option for parents who have ceilings that slope because it comes with lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until four years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it won't be snagged in corners, and it 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 top-quality piece that's an excellent investment, this curved cot bed is available in off-white or stylish green, and will be the focal point of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents who are seeking a durable item. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing its sides, and into a twin for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and includes an storage drawer and teething rails as well as an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or want a design that will evolve with your child, there are plenty of options on the market. best cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the transition over easy when your child outgrows it. Other cots come with built-in drawers for storage, and some include a changing station included!
A crib with drawers is ideal for keeping all your little one's favourite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets. It also makes tidying up easier since you can store everything in the same space. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite strips of plastic on the sides, which are great for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a tight budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It's a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll be a good fit in any room. It can be used with an ordinary cot bed and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base to grow as your child grows. It can be made into a toddler's bed by cutting off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that be used with it.
Although it can be tricky to put together (one of our testers noted that the instructions were not clear) Once it's assembled, it is lightweight and sturdy. It also has an added bonus: a tilting feature which can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a range of colours, so you can match it with other furniture in the nursery to create a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect when you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of view but still within reach. They usually have a drawer that can store lots of essentials and some come with hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets and a teething rail to protect the sides of your cot from your child's teething inclinations.
You might be able to transform your cot into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can even transform into a junior bed when your child reaches five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a part of the family for many years. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a fashionable cot which can be used for babies up to two years old. It also grows with your child. This classic cot is minimalist 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.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution for a better sleep, is a cot, bassinet, and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed by expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's an investment, though it could be beyond the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.