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 shouldn't have protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots have four secured sides, so you can be sure your baby is safe at all times. A lot of cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be transformed into a toddler bed if your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for small nurseries and can be easily installed alongside the beds of parents, allowing them to keep an eye on their child as they sleep. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over the sides. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous and should be removed to stop your child from falling out of their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots have a circular shape that helps to reduce space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and offer a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are portable and typically have castors or wheels so you can move them around.
Many cots are basic and simple. Some have extra features such as teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best since they are durable and more resistant to wear. They should be kept free of any toys or pillows as they could pose the risk of suffocation to children who are still young.
A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot that includes removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that you're planning to have more than one child because it eliminates the necessity of switching between different kinds of furniture and helps save money on separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to around two years old dependent on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop side is ideal for those who suffer from back pain because it means you do not have to bend over the side as much. This is important since back problems are one of the most frequent problems for pregnant women and new parents, especially those who have had back injuries previously.
This type of cot also means that your baby can be reached more easily throughout the day without having to worry about your back or lifting them. It is important to ensure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base and the mattress to avoid your child from climbing out.
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 assist you in choosing a stylish and safe cot that will develop with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being easy to put together. Gina, a mum tester said it was "a easy assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". It includes teething rail and a drawer for storage and three different mattress height positions.
The cot is a good option for babies who sleep all at night. But make sure that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats have been fixed correctly and not loosened.
Check to see if the cot has been certified to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models, which resulted in the USA banning some dangerous designs. Look for a model with an auto-locking drop side in the upward position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any material placed near a baby should be tucked tightly to avoid the possibility of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging above the cot, since they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads against them when they slumber during their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a budget buy however, it's extremely robust. It's suitable for babies up to toddlers. online cots has a wide range of mattress positions and can be easily converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It is also a great option for parents with high ceilings that slope. It has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until 4 years old. It has a unique oval shape which ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and will easily fit through door frames that are standard. By removing the bars, you can transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
A high-quality piece that's a great investment, this curved cot bed is available in off-white or stylish green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It's a great choice for parents who value longevity, since it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child by removing the front rails. It's also incredibly sturdy and comes with storage drawers as well as teething rails, as well as an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you need extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that could adapt to their needs. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the transition to a toddler bed easy once your child outgrows it, while others have built in drawers for storage, and some include a changing station included!
It's handy to have a cot with drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins or other things that your child loves. It can also make it easier to clean up, as everything is in one place. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips along the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
If you're on a budget but still require a stylish and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. Its slimline and minimalist design will work in the majority of rooms. It is compatible with an ordinary mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable heights for the base to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be made into a toddler's bed by cutting off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that accompany it.
Although it's not easy to build (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions were not clear) after it's put together, it's lightweight and strong. It also comes with an added bonus: a tilting feature which can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in lots of different colors, so you can match it to other furniture in the nursery in the event that you want an aesthetically pleasing look.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is ideal when you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of view but still within reach. They usually have a handy drawer where you can keep a variety of items and some even have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets as well as teething rails to guard the sides of the cot from your child's tooth-gnashing urges.
It is possible to convert your cot into a daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can transform into a junior bed when your child turns 5. This is a the best value for money and guarantees that your cot will remain part of the family for a long time to come, but make sure to verify the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate for your nursery prior to purchasing.
If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to two years and will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has an easy design, but it has many features like an under-bed drawer to store items and a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. It's also easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a high-tech solution to get a better night's sleep is a cot moses basket, and bassinet in one. It's set to revolutionize how babies sleep, and comes with expert advice from international consultants. It's a significant investment, however it could be out of budget for many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.