Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop infants from falling out of their beds or dying if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's safety at all times. Many cots are available in fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed if your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for smaller nursery settings and can be easily installed alongside the beds of parents which allows parents to keep an eye on their baby whilst they rest. recommended cribs have sides that are fixed to prevent babies from climbing over them. Once your baby is capable of standing and crawling over the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are typically circular in shape to save space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and secure place for your baby to sleep in. They are portable and typically come with castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features such as drawers with teething rails or teething rails but many are simple and basic. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is essential to keep them free of any stuffed pillows or animals, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot which features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be turned 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 will eliminate the need to switch between various kinds of furniture, and also saves money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth to around two years old depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the best option. It won't require you to bend over the side. Back back pain is a common occurrence for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without having to lift them or worry about your back. You must ensure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from escaping.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if aren't sure which cot is best for your needs. We can discuss your options. We can help you find an elegant, safe cot that grows 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. Gina mom test-sitting has said that it was "a breeze to assemble - clearly and with illustrations". It comes with teething rail, a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.
The cot is a good option for babies who are able to sleep all at night. You should make sure that the slats on the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot is certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models, which led to the USA ban on certain dangerous designs. Find a cot that auto locks the drop side when in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your child from pulling the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any fabric placed close to the baby should be secured tightly to reduce the risk of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be left hanging over the cot, since they can be strangulating and children could get their heads on them if they roll over in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a low-cost option however, it's extremely sturdy. It's suitable for infants up to toddlers. It offers a variety of mattress positions and is easily transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It is an ideal choice for parents who have high ceilings that slope. It comes with lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed is used from birth until 4 years old. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't get caught in corners, and it can easily fit into standard door frames. By removing the bars, it is possible to transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
A top-quality piece that's a great investment, this curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's a top choice for parents who value longevity, since it can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child by taking out the front rails. It's also extremely durable and has a storage area, teething rails, and an excellent hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding or want a design that will grow with them There are plenty of options on the market. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the switch over easy when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Other cots have built in drawers for storage and others even come with a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins, or other items that your child enjoys. It can also make it easier to tidy it up by putting everything in one place. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips on the sides - great for teething babies!
If you're on a budget but still need a chic and practical cot, the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It has a minimalist design that's slim and will work well in all rooms. It can be used with a standard cot mattress and has three adjustable heights for the base to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be made into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels, and there's a variety of matching furniture to go with it.
Although it can be tricky to construct (one of our testers noted that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, it's light and durable. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting function that can aid in treating reflux or colic. It's also available in a range of colours, so you can pair it with other nursery furnishings for a cohesive look.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from sight but still within easy reach, a cot with storage will be ideal. The cots come with an area to store the essentials. Some come with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.
Based on the style of your cot, you may be able to convert it into a toddler bed or day bed when your child is ready for a change and some be converted into a junior bed when your baby turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a family member for many years. Be sure to verify its dimensions before purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and that will grow with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. The classic cot is minimalist in appearance but comes with plenty of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to assemble, 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 revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed up by expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. The price is high and might not be within the budget of some families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.