Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots stop babies from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should not have protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots come with four secure sides to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. They are usually of an unchanging size, and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for smaller nurseries and can be installed alongside the beds of parents which allows parents to keep an eye on their child while they sleep. They have sides that are fixed to prevent babies from stepping over them. When your baby is able to stand and crawl on the sides, they pose a safety risk and should be removed.
Cots are generally circular in shape 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. They are easy to move between spaces and are often on wheels or castors that allow you to move them with ease.
Some cots come with extra features like drawers with teething rails or teething rails but many are simple and basic. Natural materials are the best as they are durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, since they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot bed is a larger version of a cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be turned into a toddler bed when your baby outgrows it. This feature is especially useful in the event that you plan to have more than one baby since it makes it easier to switch between different types of beds and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds are suitable from birth until your infant is about two years old, based on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has drop sides is perfect for those suffering from back pain since it means that you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is crucial as back problems are one of the most common problems amongst new mothers and pregnant women particularly those who have previously hurt their backs.
This type of cot means that your baby can be reached more easily during the day without having to be concerned about your back or lifting them. However, 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 won't be able to get out.
If you're unsure the best cot for your needs We suggest calling us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can talk through your options. We can help you select an attractive and safe cot that can develop with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being easy to put together. Gina, a mum tester, said it was "a simple assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It also comes with a useful drawer and teething rails, as well as 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's durability and solid build makes it a good choice for babies who sleep through the night. Make sure that the cot's slats and frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot has been certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models which resulted in the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Look for a model with an auto-locking drop side that locks in the up position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able to lower the side to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any fabric placed close to a baby should be tucked tightly to avoid the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be hung above the cot, since they could be strangulation hazards and children could get their heads against them when they roll over in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain however, it's extremely sturdy. It's suitable for babies up to toddlers. It comes with a wide variety of mattress bases and can easily be converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It's an ideal choice for parents who have ceilings that slope, since it comes with lockable castors that stop the cot from falling down.
This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that is easily converted. It can be used by children from birth up to age 4. It has an unique oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and is able to easily pass through standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a chic bench-style bed for an older child by simply removing the bars.
crib sets curved cot-bed is a quality investment that can be an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in off-white and stylish green. It's a great option for parents looking for a durable product. It can be turned into a toddler's bed by removing its sides and then into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly robust and includes storage drawers, teething rails and an ideal hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you need extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that can grow with them. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the transition over easy when your child outgrows it, while others come with built-in drawers for storage, and some come with a changing station included!
A crib with drawers is ideal to store everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets in, and it can also make tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one space. These cots also have anti-bite strips on the sides, which are great for infants who are teething!
If you're on a budget but still need a chic and practical cot, the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It's slimline and simple design can be incorporated in most rooms. It is compatible with a standard crib mattress and has three heights that can be adjusted to accommodate the growing baby. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by taking off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to go along with it.
It can be difficult to assemble (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed it is light and durable. It also has an added benefit: a tilting function which can help with colic or reflux. It's also available in a range of colors, so you can coordinate it with other nursery furnishings if you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you want your baby's toys and bedding out of sight but still within easy reach, a cot with storage is ideal. These cots usually feature an easy-to-access drawer where you can keep a variety of items and some even have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets as well as a teething rail to protect the cot sides from your little one's chewing urges.
It is possible to transform your cot into toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can even become a junior bed after your child turns 5. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a member of the family for many years. Be sure to check its dimensions before purchasing to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a fashionable cot that can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It can also grow with your child. This classic cot has an easy design, but it has many features like an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It is set to revolutionise how babies sleep, and includes expert advice from experts from around the world. It's an investment, though it may be priced out of the budget of many families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.