Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots stop infants from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots come with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. They are usually of the fixed size and could be converted to a toddler bed as your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are perfect for smaller nursery settings and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds, allowing them to keep an eye on their child as they sleep. They are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent infants from climbing over the sides. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and should be removed to prevent your child from falling out of bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are generally circular to help reduce 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. They are easily portable and often have castors or wheels so you can move them around.
Many cots are simple and basic. Some come with extra features, like teething rails or drawers for storage. top rated cots are constructed of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of toys and pillows as they could pose the risk of suffocation to young children.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot which includes removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be turned into a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly useful if you expect to have more than one baby, as it eliminates having to switch between different types of beds and saves money by not buying separate beds. The majority of cribs can be used right from birth until your child is about two years old, based on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop side is ideal for those suffering from back pain since it means you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is crucial as back pain is among the most common issues among new mothers and pregnant women, especially those who have had back injuries previously.
This type of cot means that your baby can be reached more easily during the day without needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. You must ensure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to prevent your child from climbing out.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if are unsure about which cot will best suit your requirements. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can help you select a stylish and safe cot that can evolve with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It scored high marks for its easy assembly. Gina mother tester said it was "a easy assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It comes with teething rail, a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.
The cot is a great option for babies who are able to sleep all night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed of a safe material, such as solid wood, and that the slats are fixed in a proper manner and not too loose.
Verify that the cot is certified to be in compliance with British safety regulations. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models and this resulted in the USA ban on certain unsafe designs. Find a cot that locks automatically the drop side when in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your baby from pulling the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery might show blankets that are artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be tucked in tightly to avoid the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be hung above the cot, since they could be strangulation hazards and babies can catch their heads against them when they slumber during their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a bargain, but it's surprisingly sturdy. It's suitable for infants all the way to toddlers. It offers a variety of mattress base positions and can be easily converted into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great option for parents with sloped ceilings since it has castors that lock to prevent the cot from falling down.
This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that can be easily converted. It can be used by children from birth up to age 4. Its unique oval shape means that it doesn't get caught in corners, and can easily fit into the standard door frames. The cot can also be converted into a chic bench-style bed for an older child by taking the bars off.
This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that can be an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in off-white and stylish green. It's a great option for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing its sides and into a twin for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly sturdy and comes with a storage drawer and teething rails as well as an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or need a design that can grow with them, there are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the switch over easy when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Some include drawers built in to store things in and some include a changing station included!
A crib with drawers is ideal to keep all your little one's favourite toys, muslin towels or blankets in, and it can also make tidying up easier since you can store everything in one space. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips along the sides - great for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget and nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. Its slimline and minimalist design will work in most rooms. It can be used with an ordinary cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base, allowing it to grow as your child grows. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. There are furniture pieces that be used with it.
Although it can be tricky to build (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions were not clear) after it's put together, it is lightweight and sturdy. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting function that can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a variety of colours, so you can match it with other nursery furnishings if you want a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from sight however, they are still within reach, a cot that has storage will be ideal. The cots come with drawers to store the essentials. Some come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
Based on the style of your cot you might be able to convert it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change, and some can even transform into a junior bed after your child turns five. This is a an excellent value for money and ensures that your cot will be part of the family for many years to come, but be sure to check the dimensions to make sure it's a good fit for your nursery prior to purchasing.
If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth to 2 years and will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has a simple design, but it offers many features like an under-bed drawer to store items and a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to put together with alphabetically labeled components and excellent instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to better sleep, is a cot, moses basket, and bassinet all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by the expertise of international sleep experts. The investment is high and might not be within the budget of some families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.