Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent babies from falling out of bed or becoming suffocated when they fall between the mattress and cot. They shouldn't have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have 4 secured sides, so you can be certain that your child is secure throughout the day. Many cots come in a fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed if your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed beside the parents' bed, giving parents to see their baby while they lay down. They are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent children from climbing over the sides. Once your baby is able to stand and crawl on the sides, they pose dangerous and should be removed.
Cots are typically circular in shape to save space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and offer a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are easy to transport and often come with castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features such as drawers with teething rails or teething rails but most are basic. The best cots are made of natural materials as these are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of toys and pillows as they could pose danger of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, meaning it can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you are expecting to have more than one child as it removes the need to switch between various types of furniture and saves money by purchasing separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to about two years of age depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the ideal alternative. You won't have to bend over the side. This is crucial as back pain is among the most frequent problems for pregnant women and new parents particularly those who have previously hurt their backs.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or worry about your back. You must make sure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base and the mattress to avoid your child from climbing out.
We suggest that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if you aren't sure which cot will best suit your requirements. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can help you select a stylish, 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 scored excellent marks in our tests for its ease to construct. Gina mother tester, said it was "a easy assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". It includes a teething rail as well as a drawer to store things in and three different mattress height positions.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy structure makes it an excellent option for babies that sleep through the night. But you should check that the cot is made from a sanitized material such as solid wood and that the slats are fixed properly and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models, which led to the USA banning some unsafe designs. Look for a model that auto locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent your baby from pulling 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 fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be pulled in tightly to avoid the possibility of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the crib as they can strangle babies or cause them to fall on their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's robust, this minimalist crib bed is suitable from birth until toddler age. It has a wide range of mattress positions and can easily be transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's an ideal choice for parents who have sloped ceilings, as it has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed is used from birth until the child is four years old. It features an unusual oval shape that means it won't get stuck in corners and can easily pass through standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a chic bench-style bed for a child who is older by lifting the bars.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that can be a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in stylish green and off-white. It's an excellent option for parents who appreciate longevity, as it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and into a twin bed for an older child by taking out the front rails. It's also extremely sturdy and has a storage area, teething rails, and an excellent hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you need a design that can adapt to their needs There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the transition over simple when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Other cots include drawers built in to store things in and some come with a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, or other items that your child enjoys. It also makes it easier to tidy it up, as everything is all in one place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on the sides - perfect for babies who are teething!
If you're on a budget but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's slimline and simple design will fit in any room. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base to grow with your child. It can be made into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to accompany it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to construct (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, it is lightweight and sturdy. best crib for newborn comes with a benefit: a tilting feature which can help with colic or reflux. Plus, it's available in a variety of colors, so you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery in the event that you want a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view, but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage is ideal. They usually have a drawer that can keep a variety of items, and some have hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets as well as teething rails to guard the sides of the cot from your little one's teething inclinations.
You might be able to transform your cot into a daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can even transform into a junior bed when your baby turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a part of the family for many years. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth until two years old and that will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has an easy design, but it comes with many features such as an under-bed drawer to store items, a teething rail, and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is easy to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and includes expert advice from international consultants. 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.