Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect babies from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four secured sides, so you can rest assured that your child is secure at all times. Many cots are available in a fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed if your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for smaller nurseries and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds and allow parents to watch their child as they sleep. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent infants from stepping over them. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling over the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
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 cozy and secure space for your baby to sleep. They are portable and usually have wheels or castors so you can move them around.
Many cots are simple and basic. Some have extra features, like teething rails or drawers for storage. The best cots are made of natural materials because they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of toys and pillows since they can create a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot which features removable sides as well as an end panel. This means it can be converted into a toddler bed after your child has outgrown it. This feature is particularly beneficial when you plan to have more than one child because it eliminates the necessity of switching between different types of furniture and saves money on separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to about two years old depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with a drop-side is ideal for those who suffer from back pain as it means you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is important as back pain is one of the most common issues among pregnant women and new parents, especially those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
affordable cots of cot also allows your baby to be reached more easily during the day without having to worry about your back or lifting them. It is important to ensure that there is a minimum of 4 cm between the base and the mattress to prevent your child from climbing out.
We suggest that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if you aren't sure which cot is best for your needs. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can help you choose the most secure, stylish cot that grows with your child, and meet all safety standards that are required by law.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being simple to construct. Mum tester Gina said it was "a dream to construct with extremely clear instructions with photos". It also comes with a useful drawer and teething rails plus three adjustable 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 properly secured and not too loose.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot has been inspected as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models, which led to the USA banning some dangerous designs. Look for a model with an auto-locking side for the drop in the up position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to lower the side to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed near babies should be tucked tightly to prevent the possibility of the baby suffocating. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the crib as they could strangle babies or cause them to fall on their heads as they move around in their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's robust, this minimalist crib bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It offers a variety of mattress positions and can be easily converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It's also a good option for parents with sloped ceilings because it comes with lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling.
This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that is easily converted. It can be used by children from birth until age 4. Its unique oval shape means that it doesn't get stuck in corners, and it can easily fit into the standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can transform the cot into a chic bed for older children.
A quality piece that's an excellent investment This curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green, and will be the focal point of any nursery. It's an excellent choice for parents who value longevity, as it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for an older child by taking out the front rails. It's also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment with teething rails as well as a handy hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that can grow with them. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds, so that you can easily switch when your child has outgrown them. Some have built-in drawers that can be used for storage and some even come with a nappy changing station!
A cot with drawers is great to store all your child's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets in, and it also makes tidying up easier since you can store everything in the same location. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips on the sides - great for teething babies!
If you're on a budget but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It has a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll be a good fit in any room. It is compatible with a standard crib mattress and has three heights that can be adjusted to grow with your baby. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a range of matching furniture to go with it.
It's not an easy thing to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions were unclear) however, once built it's light and durable. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can pair it with other nursery furnishings if you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view but within easy reach. These cots usually feature an easy-to-access drawer where you can put away a lot of your essentials and some even have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets as well as teething rails to guard the sides of your cot from teething inclinations.
You might be able to convert your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to transform into a junior bed when your child turns 5. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a member of the family for a long time. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth until two years and will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. The classic cot features an unassuming design, however it has many features like an under-bed drawer for storage as well as a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. 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 all in one. It's designed to revolutionize how babies sleep, and is backed by expert advice from experts from around the world. The cost is expensive and may not fit into the budget of many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.