Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent children from getting out of bed, or suffocating when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots have four solid sides, which means you can rest assured that your child is secure at all times. Many cots come in fixed-size and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed alongside the parents' bed, giving them a view of their child as they sleep. They have sides that are fixed to prevent infants from climbing over them. However, once babies can crawl and stand up, these sides become a danger to safety and should be removed to stop your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are typically circular in shape to reduce space and are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and offer a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors that allow you to move them easily.
A lot of cots are basic and simple. Some come with extra features such as teething rails or drawers for storage. The best cots are made of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, since they can suffocate young children.
A cot-bed is a bigger version than a cot, with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers when your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is particularly useful when you are planning to have more than one baby, as it eliminates having to switch between different types of beds and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. The majority of cribs are suitable from the moment your baby is born until the time he is two years old, depending on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with a drop side is ideal for those who suffer from back pain as it means you aren't bending over the side as much. Back pain is a common problem for pregnant women and newly mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot means that your baby will be reached more easily throughout the day without needing to worry about your back or lifting them. It is essential to make sure that there is a minimum of 4 cm between the base and the mattress to avoid your child from climbing out.
If you're not sure the best cot for your child's needs we suggest calling us at Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can assist you in finding a safe, stylish cot that will grow with your child and meet all safety standards required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being easy to construct. Mom tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to build - very clear instructions with pictures". It includes a teething rail, a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.
The cot is a good option for babies that sleep all night. Make sure that the slats on the cot's frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot has been certified to be in compliance with British safety regulations. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models which resulted in the USA banning some unsafe designs. Find a cot that auto locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent your baby from pulling the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any material placed near the baby should be secured tightly to reduce the possibility of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot, since they can be strangulating and infants could catch their heads against them when they slumber during their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a budget buy but it's actually quite sturdy. It's suitable for infants up to toddlers. It comes with a wide variety of mattress positions and can easily be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a good choice for parents with sloped ceilings since it has castors that can be locked to stop the cot from falling down.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that can be easily converted. It can be used by children as young as up to age 4. It has an unique oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and will easily fit through door frames that are standard. By removing the bars, it is possible to transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that will make an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in off-white and stylish green. It's a great choice for parents who are looking for cots4tots.co.Uk a long-lasting product. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides and into a twin for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely robust and comes with storage drawers, teething rails and an easy hanging rail to hang muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you need extra storage space for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that can expand with them. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the switch over simple when your child outgrows it. Other cots have built in drawers for storage and others even include a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins, and other things that your child will love. It can also make it easier to clean up by putting everything in one place. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips along the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It's slimline and simple design can be incorporated in any room. It takes an ordinary crib mattress and has three heights that can be adjusted to accommodate the growing baby. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to be used with it.
It can be difficult to put together (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It also has an added bonus: a tilting feature which can help with colic or reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with other furniture for your nursery to create a coordinated appearance.
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 options is the best choice. These cots have an area to store the essentials. Some also come with a teething bar and rails for 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 can become a junior bed after your child turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a member of the family for many years. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a stylish cot which can be used for babies up to two years old. It can also grow with your child. The classic crib is simple in its design, but it comes with a variety of features like an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also a breeze to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution for a better sleep is a cot moses basket, and bassinet in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed by the expertise of international sleep consultants. It's an investment, though it could be out of budget for many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.