Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent children from getting out of bed, or suffocating in the event of a fall 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 safety throughout the day. They often come in the fixed size and could be converted to an infant bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed alongside the parents' bed, giving parents to see their baby while they lay down. These cots are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides to prevent children from climbing over the sides. Once your baby is able to stand and crawl over the sides, they pose dangerous and should be removed.
Cots are circular in shape that helps to save space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and offer a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are easily portable and usually have wheels or castors so you can move them around.
Some cots have extra features like drawers or teething rails, but most are basic. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of any stuffed pillows or animals, as they can cause children to drown.
A cot bed is a larger version of a 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 particularly beneficial if you are expecting to have more than one child because it will eliminate the need to switch between various kinds of furniture and helps save money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot-beds are suitable from birth until around two years of age, depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best alternative. You won't have to bend as much over the side. Back back pain is a common occurrence for pregnant women and newly mothers, especially 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 having to lift them or be concerned about your back. It is important to ensure that there is a minimum of 4 cm between the base and the mattress to avoid your child from escaping.
If you are unsure about the best cot for your child's needs we suggest calling us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can discuss your options. We can help you select a stylish, safe cot that will grow along with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being easy to put together. Mum tester Gina said it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions with pictures". It also comes with a handy teething rails and drawers, and 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is an excellent option for babies who sleep all at night. You should make sure that the slats of the cot's frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot is certified as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this has led to some dangerous designs being prohibited in the USA. Choose a cot that locks automatically the drop side when it is 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
While styled nursery photos may show blankets artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, all fabrics placed near the baby should be tucked in tightly to reduce the possibility of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging over the cot, as they pose a strangulation risk and infants could catch their heads on them when they roll over in their sleep.
This cot-bed that is minimalistic is a low-cost option but it's actually quite robust. It's suitable for infants to toddlers. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing a side panel. It is also a great option for parents who have sloped ceilings, as it is equipped with lockable castors to stop 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 4 years old. Its unique oval shape means that it won't be snagged in corners and can easily fit into the standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can transform the cot into a chic bed for older children.
A high-quality piece that's an excellent investment, this curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green, and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. best rated cribs 's an excellent choice for parents who value longevity, as it can be made into an infant bed by removing the sides and into a twin bed for older children by cutting off the front rails. It's also extremely robust and includes a storage drawer and teething rails as well as an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are numerous options on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that will expand with them. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the switch to a toddler bed easy once your little one outgrows it, while others have built in drawers for storage and others even have a changing area included!
A cot with drawers is great to store all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths or blankets. It can also make tidying up easier because you can put everything in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips on their sides - ideal for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It's minimalist design that's slim and will fit well in most rooms. It is compatible with an ordinary mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable base heights to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be converted into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a selection of matching furniture with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to construct (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions weren't clear) Once it's assembled, it is lightweight and sturdy. It comes with a further feature: a tilting feature that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's also available in a range of colours, so you can match it with other furniture for your nursery to create a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight however, they are still within reach, a cot that has storage options is the best choice. These cots usually feature a drawer that can put away a lot of your essentials and some even have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets and teething rails to shield the sides of your cot from your little one's teething inclinations.
Depending on the design of your cot, you may be able to transform it into a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for a change and some turn into a junior bed after your baby turns five. This gives you the best value for money and guarantees that your cot will be part of the family for many years to come, but be sure to verify the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate for your nursery prior to purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a fashionable cot which can be used for babies up to two years old. It will also grow with your child. This classic cot is simple in design but offers plenty of features like an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to assemble with alphabetically labelled components and excellent instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a high-tech solution to better sleep it's a cot, bassinet, and moses basket in one. It is set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from experts from around the world. The cost is expensive and may not fit into the budget of many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.