Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent infants from falling out of their beds, or suffocating when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have 4 secured sides, so you can be certain that your child is secure throughout the day. They often come in an unchanging size, and can be converted to a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily placed on top of the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their child as they rest. They have sides that are fixed to prevent babies from stepping over them. However, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a safety hazard and should be removed to prevent your child from falling off of the their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are generally circular in shape to reduce 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 easily portable and often come with castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
Many cots are basic and simple. Some have additional features, like teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of the cot that includes removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be turned 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 since it eliminates the necessity of switching between different kinds of furniture, and also saves money on buying separate beds. The majority of cribs are suitable from birth until your infant is about two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the ideal option. You won't need to bend over the side. This is important since back pain is among the most frequent problems for new mothers and pregnant women especially those who suffered back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot means that your baby will be easily reached during the day without you having to worry about your back or lifting them. cheap cot beds must ensure that there is a minimum of 4 cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from climbing out.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if you aren't sure which cot is best for your requirements. We can discuss your options. We can help you choose an attractive, safe cot that will evolve with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It scored high marks for its easy assembly. The mother tester Gina said it was "a dream to build - extremely clear instructions with photos". It also comes with a useful drawer and teething rails plus 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is a good option for babies that sleep all at night. But make sure that the cot is made from a safe material like solid wood, and that the slats have been fixed properly and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot is certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models which led to the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Look for a model with an auto-locking drop side in the upward position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to lower the side to climb out.
Corner Cots
While photos of styled nursery pictures may show blankets artistically wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed near the baby must be tucked in tightly to reduce the possibility of 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 hit their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
This cot-bed that is minimalistic is a bargain however, it's extremely durable. It's suitable for babies all the way to toddlers. It offers a variety of mattress base positions and is easily transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a great option for parents with sloped ceilings as it has lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from birth until the child is four years old. It has a unique oval shape which means it won't be stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through standard door frames. By removing the bars it is possible to transform the cot into a chic bed for older children.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that can be a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in stylish green and off-white. It is a great choice for parents who are looking for a long-lasting product. It can be turned into a toddler's bed by removing its sides and then into a twin bed for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and includes storage drawers as well as teething rails, as well as an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or you are looking for a design that will evolve with your child There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, so that you can quickly switch them out when your child outgrows them. Some come with built-in drawers that can be used for storage, and some even have a changing station!
A cot with drawers is great to store everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets, and it can also make tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one location. These cots also have anti-bite strips along the sides - ideal for teething infants!
If you're on a tight budget but still require a stylish and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It's slimline and minimalist design will work in any room. 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 made into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a selection of matching furniture to go with it.
It's not an easy thing to put together (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear) However, once it's constructed, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It comes with a further feature: a tilting feature that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with other nursery furnishings if you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you want your baby's bedding and toys out of sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage will be ideal. These cots have drawers to store the essentials. Some come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
Based on the design of your cot you might be able to convert it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change and some transform into a junior bed after your child is five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a family member for many years. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a chic cot which can be used for infants from 2 to 2 years old. It also grows with your child. This classic cot is simple in design but offers plenty of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to assemble, 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 set to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's an investment, though, and may be out of budget for many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.