Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent children from falling out of their beds, or suffocating when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots have 4 solid sides, which means you can be sure your baby is safe throughout the day. Many cots come in fixed-sizes and can be made into a toddler bed if your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed beside the parents' bed, allowing them a view of their baby while they lay down. They have sides that are fixed to prevent infants from stepping over them. But once infants can crawl and stand up, these sides can become dangerous and should be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner which can help save space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and safe space for your child to sleep. They are easily portable and usually have castors or wheels so you can move them around.
A lot of cots are basic and straightforward. Some come with extra features like teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best as they are more durable and resistant to wear. It is important to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, since they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot-bed can be a bigger version of a cot with a removable side and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your baby grows out of it. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that you're planning to have more than one child because it removes the need to switch between different kinds of furniture and helps save money on separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth until your infant is around two years old, depending on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect if you suffer from back pain as it means that you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is crucial as back pain is one of the most frequent problems for pregnant women and new parents particularly those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without lifting them or worry about your back. It is important to make sure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to avoid your child from climbing out.
If you're not sure which cot is best for your child's needs we suggest calling us at Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can assist you in choosing a stylish, safe cot that will grow along with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top choice. It was praised for its easy assembly. Gina mother tester, said it was "a easy assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It also comes with a practical drawer and teething rails as well as three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is a good option for babies that sleep all night. You should make sure that the slats on the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot is certified to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this has led to some unsafe designs being outlawed 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
While styled nursery photos 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 must be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the risk of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the cot since they can strangle infants or cause them to crash their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain, but it's surprisingly durable. It's suitable for infants all the way to toddlers. It can be made to a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a good option for parents with sloped ceilings because it comes with lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from birth until 4 years old. It has an unique oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and can easily fit through standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
A high-quality piece that's an excellent investment This curved cot is available in either off-white or stylish green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing its sides, or into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely sturdy and comes with a storage compartment, teething rails, and an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you want extra storage space for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that can adapt to their needs. 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 include a changing station!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins, and other things that your child enjoys. It also makes it easier to tidy up since everything is all in one spot. These cots also have anti-bite strips along the sides - ideal for infants who are teething!
best cots for newborns is an excellent option for those on a tight budget and nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. Its slimline and simple design will fit in any room. It takes a standard cot mattress and has three adjustable base heights to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to go along with it.
It's not easy to assemble (one of our testers complained that the instructions were unclear) however, once built, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting feature that can help with colic or reflux. It's also available in a variety of colours, so you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery if you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal for those who want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of view but still within reach. They come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some also come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
You might be able to transform your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can transform into a junior bed when your child reaches 5. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for many years. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth to two years old and will develop with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. The classic crib is simple in its design but offers plenty of features like an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. It's also easy to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep, and is backed up by expert advice from international sleep consultants. The price is high and may not be within the budget of a lot of families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.