Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent babies from getting out of bed or becoming suffocated in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They shouldn't have protrusions or sharp edges.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's safety throughout the day. A lot of cots are available in a fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed beside the parents' bed, giving them a view of their child while they lay down. These cots are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent babies from climbing on the sides. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and must be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of the bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are typically circular in shape to reduce space and are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are easily portable and often have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
A lot of cots are basic and straightforward. Some have additional features, like teething rails or storage drawers. The best cots are made of natural materials because they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of any stuffed pillows or animals, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot-bed can be a bigger version than a cot, with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be converted into a toddler's bed when your baby grows out of it. This feature is especially useful if you are expecting to have more than one child because it will eliminate the need to switch between different kinds of furniture and helps save money on separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used right from the moment your baby is born until the time he is about two years old, depending on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the best alternative. most recommended cribs won't need to bend as much 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 kind of cot means that your baby will be easily reached during the day without needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. However, you need to ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child won't be able to get out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if you are unsure about which the best cot for your requirements. We can talk about your options. We can assist you in choosing a stylish, safe cot that will develop with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It scored high marks for its ease of assembly. Mom tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct - very clear instructions and pictures". It includes a teething rail and a drawer for storage and three different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot's strength and solid construction makes it a great option for babies that sleep through the night. It is important to ensure that the slats of the cot's frame are properly secured and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been certified as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this has led to some dangerous designs being prohibited in the USA. Look for a model that locks automatically the drop side when in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your baby from being able to pull the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
While styled nursery photos may show blankets adorably wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, all fabrics placed near the baby should be tucked in tightly to reduce the danger of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be hung above the cot, since they could be strangulation hazards and infants could catch their heads on them if they roll over in their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this minimalist crib bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It can be converted to a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a great choice for parents who have ceilings that slope, since it has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that is easily transformed. It can be used by children as young as up to age 4. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it will not be snagged in corners and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. The cot can also be converted into a stylish bench-style bed for older children by simply removing the bars.
A high-quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot is available in either off-white or stylish green, and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing its sides or into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly robust and includes a storage drawer and teething rails as well as a handy hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you are looking for a design that will evolve with your child, there are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds, allowing you to quickly switch them out when your child outgrows them. Some come with built-in drawers for storage and some even come with a nappy changing station!
It's handy to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins or other things that your child enjoys. It is also easier to tidy it up, as everything is in one place. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips on the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget and still want a stylish, practical cot. It's slimline and minimalist design will work in most rooms. It is compatible with an ordinary crib mattress and has three adjustable base heights to accommodate the growing baby. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to accompany it.
It can be difficult to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions were unclear) however, once built, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting feature that can help with colic or reflux. Additionally, it's available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to other furniture in the nursery in the event that you want a coordinated style.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal for those who want to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view but within easy reach. The cots come with an area to store the essentials. Some also come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the style of your cot you might be able to turn it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for an upgrade or transform into a junior bed once your child is five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for a long time. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth to two years old and that will grow with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot is minimalist in appearance but comes with plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution for a better sleep it's a cot, bassinet, and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep, and is backed up with expert advice from international sleep consultants. The investment is high and might not be within the budget of many families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.