Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent children from falling out of their beds or becoming suffocated when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots come with four secure sides to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. They are usually of an unchanging size, and can be converted to a toddler bed when your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed beside the parents' bed, giving them a view of their baby while they rest. They are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that stop babies from climbing on the sides. When your baby is able to stand and crawl over the sides, they pose a safety risk and should be removed.
Cots are usually circular to help reduce space and are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure space for your baby to sleep in. They are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors that allow you to move them easily.
Many cots are basic and simple. Some have extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. The best cots are made of natural materials as these are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of toys and pillows since they can create a risk of suffocation for children who are still young.
A cot-bed can be a bigger version than a cot, with removable sides and end panels. It can be converted into a toddler's bed once your baby grows out of it. This feature is particularly beneficial when you plan to have more than one child because it will eliminate the need to switch between various types of furniture and saves money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds are suitable from the moment your baby is born until the time he is around two years old, depending 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 need to bend as much over the side. Back pain is a common problem for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day without lifting them or worry about your back. But, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child isn't able to get out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure which the best cot for your needs. We can discuss your options. We can help you choose a stylish and safe cot that can develop with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for its ease to construct. Gina mother tester said it was "a simple assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". It also comes with a handy teething rails and drawers, plus three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is a great option for babies who sleep all the night. But make sure that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood, and that the slats have been fixed properly and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot has been certified to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models, and this has led to dangerous designs being prohibited in the USA. Look for a model that locks automatically the drop side when it is 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
Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets adorably wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed near the baby should be tucked in tightly to reduce the risk of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the cot as they can strangle babies or cause them to fall on their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth until toddler age. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. It's also a good choice for parents with sloped ceilings since it has castors that lock to prevent the cot from falling.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that can be easily transformed. It can be used by children as young as to age 4. It features an unique oval shape that means it won't get stuck in corners and will easily pass through standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can transform the cot into a chic bed for older children.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that can be an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in a stylish green and off-white. It's a great option for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be turned into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides or into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly sturdy and includes a storage drawer and teething rails as well as an ideal 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 want a design that will grow with them There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, so that you can easily change them when your child is old enough to use them. Others have built-in drawers that can be used for storage and some even have a changing station!
best cot beds with drawers is great to keep all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths or blankets, and it also makes tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one place. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips on the side too - perfect for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget and nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It's a minimalist design that's slim and will be a good fit in any room. It can be used with the standard crib mattress and has three adjustable base heights to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be made into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels and there's a range of furniture that can be used with it.
It's not easy to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions were unclear), but once constructed it is light and long-lasting. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting feature that can aid in treating colic or reflux. It's also available in a range of colours, so you can coordinate it with other furniture in the nursery if you want a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage is ideal. They come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the style of your cot, you may be able to transform it into a toddler bed or day bed when your child is ready for an upgrade, and some can even transform into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a part of the family for many years. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and will develop with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. The classic crib is simple in its design, but it comes with a variety of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed with expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. The price is high and may not fit into the budget of some families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.