Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop babies from getting out of bed or dying in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have 4 solid sides, which means you can be certain that your baby is safe at all times. Many cots come in fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed beside the parents' bed, giving them a view of their child while they sleep. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides to prevent children from climbing over the sides. Once your baby is able to stand and crawl on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are typically circular in shape to reduce space and are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are portable and often 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 storage drawers. Natural materials are the best since they are more durable and resistant to wear. It is important to keep them free of stuffed pillows or animals, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of a cot that includes removable sides and an end panel, meaning it can be transformed into a toddler bed when your baby outgrows it. This feature is especially useful if you are expecting to have more than one child since it removes the need to switch between various kinds of furniture, and also saves money on buying separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth until around two years old dependent on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has drop sides is perfect for those suffering from back pain since 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 new mothers and pregnant women especially those who previously hurt their backs.
This type of cot means that your baby can be easily reached during the day without needing to worry about your back or lifting them. However, you need to ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child can't climb out.
We suggest that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if you are unsure about which the best cot for your requirements. We can discuss your options. We can assist you in choosing the most stylish, safe cot that will grow along with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It was praised for its ease of assembly. Gina, a mum tester said it was "a easy assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It also comes with a practical teething rails and drawers, as well as three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot is a good option for babies who are able to sleep all the night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats are secured in a proper manner and not too loose.
Verify that the cot is certified to be in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models and this resulted in the USA banning some dangerous designs. Look for a model with an auto-locking side for the drop in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able pull the side down in order to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any material placed near babies should be tucked tightly to prevent the risk of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be hung above the cot, as they could be strangulation hazards and children could get their heads against them when they slumber during their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's robust, this crib bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It is also a great choice for parents who have sloped ceilings, as it has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until 4 years old. It has an unique oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through door frames that are standard. By removing the bars you can transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will make a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It is available in a stylish green and off-white. It's a top option for parents who appreciate longevity, as it can be made into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and into a twin bed for an older child by taking out the front rails. It's also extremely sturdy and includes an storage drawer as well as teething rails, as well as an easy hanging rail to hang blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you need extra storage space for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that could grow with them. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the switch over easy when your child outgrows it. Some have built in drawers for storage, and some include a changing station included!
A crib with drawers is ideal to keep all your little one's favourite toys, muslin towels or blankets in, and it can also make tidying up easier since you can store everything in the same space. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips along the side too - perfect for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a tight budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It has a minimalist design that's slim and will be a good fit in any room. It can be used with an ordinary cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base to grow with your child. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels and there's a selection of matching furniture with it.
It's not easy to assemble (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built it is light and long-lasting. It also has a unique feature: a tilting feature which can aid with reflux and colic. It's also available in a range of colors, so you can coordinate it with other nursery furnishings if you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view, but still within easy reach, a cot with storage is ideal. These cots have drawers to store the essentials. Some come with a bar for teething and rails for Cots4Tots blankets or muslins.
You may be able convert your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to become a junior bed after your baby turns 5. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a part of the family for many years. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth until two years and will grow with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. The classic cot features a simple design, but it has numerous features, including an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage and a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is easy to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed up by the expertise of internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's an investment, however it could be priced out of the budget of many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.