Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots stop infants from falling out of bed or becoming suffocated when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's safety at all times. They usually come in a fixed size and may be converted to a toddler bed when your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for small nurseries and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds which allows parents to watch their baby whilst they rest. They have sides that are fixed to prevent babies from climbing over them. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and should be removed in order to prevent your child from falling off of the bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner which can help reduce space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are easy to transport and usually come with wheels or castors so you can move them around.
Some cots come with extra features like teething rails or drawers 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 stuffed toys or pillows as these can pose a risk of suffocation for children who are still young.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of a cot that includes removable sides and an end panel, meaning it can be converted into a toddler bed after your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly beneficial when you are planning to have more than one baby, as it eliminates having to change between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. Most cribs can be used right from birth until your child is around two years old, based on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop side is ideal if you suffer from back pain as it means you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is important since back pain is one of the most common issues among pregnant women and new parents particularly those who have previously hurt their backs.
This type of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or worry about your back. It is important to make sure that there is at least 4cm between the base and the mattress to prevent your child from escaping.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if aren't sure which cot will best suit your needs. We can talk about your options. We can help you choose the most stylish, safe cot that will 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 simple to construct. Gina, a mum tester has said that it was "a easy assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails as well as three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is a great option for babies that sleep all night. But make sure whether the cot is constructed from a safe material like solid wood and that the slats are secured properly and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot is certified to meet British safety regulations. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this has led to some dangerous designs being prohibited in the USA. Find a cot that automatically locks the drop side when it is in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your child from pulling the side down and get out.
Baby Crib
While styled nursery photos may show blankets artistically wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be pulled into a tight swaddle to avoid the danger of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the crib as they can strangle infants or cause them to fall on their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly sturdy, this minimalistic cot bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It's an ideal choice for parents with ceilings that slope, since 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 to age 4. It features a unique oval shape which means it won't get stuck in corners and is able to easily pass through standard door frames. The cot can also be transformed into a chic bench-style bed for a child who is older by lifting the bars.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that will make an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in off-white and stylish green. It's a great choice for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing its sides, and into a twin for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely robust and comes with a storage drawer as well as teething rails, as well as a handy hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that could adapt to their needs. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the transition over easy when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Other cots come with built-in drawers for storage, and some have a changing area included!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins or other things that your child enjoys. It is also easier to tidy up, as everything is in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips on their sides - ideal for teething infants!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It has a minimalist and sleek design that will be a good fit in any room. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot and comes with three heights adjustable for the base, allowing it to grow with your child. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along with it.
It's not an easy thing to assemble (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed it is light and durable. It comes with a further feature: a tilting function that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It's also available in a range of colors, meaning you can match it with other furniture for your nursery to create a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from sight but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage options is the best choice. The majority of cots have a drawer that can keep a variety of items and some come with hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets and a teething rail to protect the sides of your cot from your little one's tooth-gnashing urges.
Based on the design of your cot you might be able to transform it into a toddler bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change or turn into a junior bed once your child is five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a part of the family for a long time. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a chic cot which can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It also grows with your child. Cot Bed is simple in its design, but it comes with a variety of features including an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a high-tech solution for a better sleep, is a cot, moses basket, and bassinet in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from experts from around the world. The price is high and may not be within the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.