Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep infants from climbing out of the bed or becoming suffocated when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. A lot of cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be converted into a toddler bed if your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be placed on top of the parents' bed, allowing them a view of their child while they lay down. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that prevent babies from climbing on the sides. But, once babies can crawl and stand up, the sides become a safety hazard and must be removed to stop your child from falling off of the bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are usually circular in shape to help save space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and offer a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are portable and typically come with wheels or castors so you can move them around.
Many cots are simple and basic. Some come with extra features like teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best since they are durable and more resistant to wear. It is essential to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, as they can cause children to drown.
A cot bed is a bigger version of a cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, meaning it can be transformed into a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. This feature is especially useful when you plan to have more than one child as it will eliminate the necessity of switching between different kinds of furniture and helps save money on buying separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used right from birth until your child is about two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the ideal alternative. It won't require you to bend over the side. Back pain is a common issue for pregnant women and new mothers, particularly those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot means that your baby will be easily reached during the day without having to be concerned about your back or lifting them. However, you need to ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child won't be able to get out.
We suggest that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure about which cot will best suit your needs. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can help you select the most stylish and safe cot that will evolve 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 simple to construct. Mom tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct - very clear instructions with pictures". It includes a teething rail as well as a drawer to store things in and 3 different mattress height positions.
The cot's durability and solid construction makes it a great option for babies that sleep through the night. But make best cot newborn that the cot is made from a sanitized material such as solid wood, and that the slats have been fixed properly and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot has been certified as meeting British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this has led to unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Find a cot with an auto-locking drop side that locks in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop 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 material placed near the baby should be secured tightly to reduce the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the cot as they can strangle infants or cause them to fall on their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a bargain, but it's surprisingly durable. It's suitable for infants up to toddlers. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. It is also a great option for parents who have high ceilings that slope. It comes with lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.
This cot bed made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that can be easily converted. It can be used by children as young as up to age 4. Its unique oval shape ensures that it won't get caught in corners, and can easily fit into standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a stylish bench bed for a child who is older by lifting the bars.
A top-quality piece that's a great investment, this curved cot bed is available in off-white or fashionable green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It's an excellent option for parents who appreciate longevity, as it can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and into a twin bed for older children by taking out the front rails. It's also extremely durable and includes storage drawers, teething rails and an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you need additional storage space for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that could adapt to their needs. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the transition over easy when your little one outgrows it. Other cots have built in drawers to store things in and some include a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins or other things that your child enjoys. It also makes it easier to tidy up since everything is all in one place. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips on the sides - great for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a tight budget but still want a chic, practical cot. Its slimline and simple design will fit in most rooms. It can be used with a standard cot mattress and has three adjustable base heights to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels, and there's a range of matching furniture to go with it.
Although it can be tricky to build (one of our testers noted that the instructions weren't clear) Once it's assembled, it's light and durable. It also comes with a bonus: a tilting feature that can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a variety of colours too so you can match it with other furniture in the nursery if you're going for a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect for those who want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of view but within easy reach. They come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some are also equipped with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
You may be able transform your cot into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to be converted into a junior bed once your child 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 check 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, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. This classic cot has a simple design, but it has numerous features, including an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage as well as a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. It's also a breeze to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket in one. It is set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and comes with expert advice from international experts. The cost is expensive and might not be within the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.