Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep babies from getting out of bed, or suffocating when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have 4 secured sides, so you can be sure your baby is safe at all times. Many cots are available in a fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be placed on top of the parents' bed, allowing them to view their child as they lay down. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing on the sides. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and must be removed to stop your child from falling off of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are circular in shape, which helps in reducing space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure space for your baby to sleep in. cot beds for sale are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually mounted on wheels or on castors to enable you to move them easily.
A lot of cots are basic and simple. Some have extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials because they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of stuffed pillows or animals, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot that includes removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be transformed into a toddler bed when your baby outgrows it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you are expecting to have more than one child since it eliminates the need to switch between different kinds of furniture, and also saves money by purchasing separate beds. Most cot beds can be used right from birth until your infant is around two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with a drop-side is ideal if you suffer 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 problems amongst pregnant women and new parents particularly those who have previously hurt their backs.
This kind of cot means that your baby can be reached more easily during the day without you needing to worry about your back or lifting them. But, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the cot and the mattress is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child can't climb out.
If you are unsure about the best cot for your child's needs we suggest contact us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can talk through your options. We can help you select 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 its ease to construct. Gina, a mum tester, said it was "a simple assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It also comes with a practical drawer and teething rails, plus three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is an excellent option for babies that sleep all 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 inspected as being in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models, and this led to unsafe designs being outlawed in the USA. Find a cot that automatically locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your baby from being able to pull the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed close to babies should be tucked tightly to avoid the risk of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging above the cot as they pose a strangulation risk and babies can catch their heads on them if they slumber during their sleep.
This cot-bed that is minimalistic is a low-cost option, but it's surprisingly sturdy. It's suitable for babies to toddlers. It offers a variety of mattress base positions and can be easily transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It is also a great option for parents with ceilings that slope, since it comes with lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until 4 years old. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't get caught in corners, and can easily fit into standard door frames. The cot can also be transformed into a chic bench-style bed for a child who is older by taking the bars off.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that can be an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in stylish green and off-white. It's an excellent choice for parents who value longevity, since it can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for a child who is older by removing the front rails. It's also extremely sturdy and comes with storage drawers, teething rails and an easy hanging rail to hang blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you need extra storage for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that can grow with them. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, allowing you to easily switch when your child is old enough to use them. Some come with built-in drawers to store things and some even include a changing station!
A crib with drawers is ideal for keeping everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets in, and it helps in tidying up since you can store everything in the same space. The cots also come with anti-bite strips along the sides - perfect for infants who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It's a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll fit well in most rooms. It takes a standard mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable heights for the base to accommodate the growing baby. It can be made into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to be used with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to put together (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions were not clear) Once it's assembled, it's lightweight and strong. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting feature which can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a range of colors, so you can match it with other furniture in the nursery to create a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage is ideal. The majority of cots have an easy-to-access drawer where you can store lots of essentials, and some have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets as well as a teething rail to protect the sides of the cot from your child's chewing urges.
You might be able to convert your cot into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to transform into a junior bed when your child reaches 5. This is a great value for money and ensures that your cot will remain an integral part of your family for a long time to come, but make sure to check the dimensions to ensure it will fit into your nursery before buying.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a fashionable cot which can be used for babies up to two years old. It will also grow with your child. This classic cot is simple in design, but it comes with a variety of features including an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also a breeze to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to better sleep, is a cot, moses basket, and bassinet all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from international consultants. It's an investment, however, and may be priced out of the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.