Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep infants from climbing out of the bed or dying when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots have four secure sides, so you can be sure your child is secure at all times. Many cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be made 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 baby while they lay down. They have sides that are fixed to stop babies from stepping over them. Once your baby is able to stand and crawl on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are generally circular in shape to reduce space and are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure place for your baby to sleep. They are easy to transport and typically come with wheels or castors so you can move them around.
Some cots come with extra features such as teething rails or drawers but most are basic. The best cots are made from natural materials since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of stuffed pillows or animals, as they can cause children to drown.
A cot-bed can be a bigger version than a cot, with a removable side and end panels. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers when your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is particularly useful if you expect to have more than one baby because it means you don't have to change between different types and Cots4tots can save money by not having to buy separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to around two years of age depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect for those suffering from back pain because it means that you aren't bending over the side as much. Back back pain is a common occurrence for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or be concerned about your back. However, you need to ensure that the gap between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm so that your child can't climb out.
If you're not sure which cot is best for your child's needs, we recommend getting in touch with us at Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you select a stylish and safe cot that can grow along with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It was praised for its ease of assembly. The mother tester Gina said 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 strength and solid structure makes it an excellent choice for babies who sleep through the night. Make sure that the slats of the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been inspected as being in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models which resulted in the USA banning some unsafe designs. Find a cot with an auto-locking side for the drop in the upward 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 fabric placed near a baby should be tucked tightly to prevent the risk of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging above the cot, as they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads against them when they roll over in their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's robust, this minimalist crib bed is suitable from birth until toddler age. It can be converted to a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a great choice for parents who have high ceilings that slope. It comes with lockable castors that stop the cot from falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until four years old. It has a unique oval shape which means it won't be stuck in corners and can easily fit through door frames that are standard. The cot can also be converted into a stylish bench bed for older children by simply taking the bars off.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that will create an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in stylish green and off-white. It's a great choice for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be turned into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides, and then into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment with teething rails as well as an ideal hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or want a design that will grow with them, there are plenty of options on the market. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the transition over simple when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Some come with built-in drawers for storage and others even include a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, or other items that your child will love. It can also make it easier to tidy up by putting everything in one place. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips on the side too - perfect for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a tight budget and still want a chic, practical cot. It's a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll work well in all rooms. It can be used with an ordinary cot mattress and has three adjustable heights for the base to accommodate the growing baby. It can be made into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels, and there's a variety of matching furniture to go with it.
It's not easy to assemble (one of our test subjects said that the instructions were unclear), but once constructed it's light and durable. It comes with a further feature: a tilting feature which can aid with reflux and colic. Additionally, it's available in lots of different colors so you can match it with other furniture in the nursery to create an aesthetically pleasing look.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is ideal when you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view but easily accessible. The majority of cots have a drawer that can keep a variety of items and some even have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets, as well as teething rails to shield 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 turn it into a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for a change or transform into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for a long time. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and will develop with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. The classic cot is minimalist in design but offers plenty of features like an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced 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 is backed by the expertise of international sleep experts. The cost is expensive and may not fit into the budget of many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.