Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent babies from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have protrusions or sharp edges.
The majority of cots have four secured sides, so you can rest assured that your child is secure throughout the day. They often come in a fixed size and may be converted to a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for smaller nurseries and can be fitted alongside parents' beds which allows parents to watch their child while they sleep. They have sides that are fixed to prevent babies from stepping over them. However, once babies can crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and must be removed to prevent your child from falling out of the bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner that helps to save space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are easy to move between spaces and are often on wheels or castors to enable you to move them around easily.
Some cots have extra features, like teething rails or drawers but most are basic. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials as these are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of toys and pillows as these can pose danger of suffocation for children who are still young.
A cot-bed can be a bigger version of a cot with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your baby grows out of it. This feature is particularly useful when you are planning to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to switch between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. Most cot beds can be used right from the moment your baby is born until the time he is around two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back pain, a cot with a drop-side is the best option. You won't have to bend as much over the side. Back pain is a common issue for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without having to lift them or be concerned about your back. However, you need to ensure that the gap between the base of the cot and the mattress is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child won't be able to climb out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure which the best cot for your requirements. We can talk about your options. We can assist you in choosing a stylish and safe cot that will grow along with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for being easy to put together. Mum tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to build - very clear instructions with pictures". It includes teething rails as well as a drawer to store things in and three different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot is a good option for babies who sleep all night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed from a safe material like solid wood and that the slats have been fixed in a proper manner and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been inspected to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models which resulted in the USA banning certain unsafe designs. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side that locks in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able to pull the side down in order to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any material placed near the baby should be secured tightly to reduce the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the crib as they could strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. It's also a good choice for parents who have ceilings that slope as it has lockable castors to prevent the cot from slipping down.
This cot bed made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that can be easily converted. It can be used by children from birth up to age 4. It features a unique oval shape which means it won't get stuck in corners and will easily fit through standard door frames. The cot can also be transformed into a stylish bench-style bed for older children by lifting the bars.
This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that will create an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in stylish green and off-white. It's a great choice for parents looking for a durable product. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing its sides and then into a twin bed for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely robust and comes with storage drawers as well as teething rails, as well as a handy hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you want a design that will evolve with your child, there are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, allowing you to easily switch when your child outgrows them. Some come with built-in drawers that can be used for storage and some come with a nappy changing station!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins, and other things that your child will love. It can also make it easier to tidy it up since everything is all in one place. Mini Cot Bed have anti-bite strips on the sides - ideal for teething infants!
If you're looking to save money but still require a stylish and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's a minimalist and sleek design that will be a good fit in any room. It can be used with the standard 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 bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to go along with it.
Although it can be tricky to build (one of our testers complained that the instructions were not clear), once it's constructed it is lightweight and sturdy. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting function which can help with reflux or colic. Plus, it's available in a variety of colors, so you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery in the event that you want a coordinated style.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage is ideal. They usually have an easy-to-access drawer where you can put away a lot of your essentials and some even have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets, as well as teething rails to shield the sides of your cot from your child's tooth-gnashing urges.
Based on the style of your cot, you may be able to transform it into a toddler bed or a day bed when your child is ready for an upgrade or transform into a junior bed after your baby turns five. infant cot bed is a great option to save money and make your cot a family member for a long time. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a chic cot that can be used for babies up to two years old. It also grows with your child. This classic cot has an unassuming design, however it offers many features like an under-bed drawer to store items and a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. It's also simple to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to get a better night's sleep is a cot bassinet, and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize how babies sleep, and is backed by expert advice from international consultants. The cost is expensive and might not be within the budget of some families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.