Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep infants from getting out of bed or becoming suffocated in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have 4 secured sides, so you can rest assured that your child is secure at all times. They usually come in the fixed size and could be converted to a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for smaller nursery settings and can be easily installed alongside the beds of parents and allow parents to watch their child while they sleep. These cots have fixed sides to stop babies from climbing over them. But, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and therefore they need to be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are generally circular to help reduce space and are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and secure place for your baby to rest in. They are easy to move between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors that enable you to move them with ease.
Some cots have extra features like teething rails or drawers but many are simple and 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 they could pose a risk of suffocation for children who are still young.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot which features removable sides as well as an end panel, meaning it can be converted into a toddler bed once your baby outgrows it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you expect to have more than one baby because it means you don't have to switch between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. The majority of cot-beds are suitable from birth to around two years old, depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with a drop-side is ideal for those who suffer from back pain because it means that you do not have to bend over the side as much. 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 allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without having to lift them or worry about your back. However, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the cot is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child won't be able to climb out.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure about which cot is best for 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 choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being simple to put together. Gina, a mum tester, said 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 good option for babies who sleep all the night. However, you must ensure whether the cot is constructed of a safe material, such as solid wood, and that the slats are fixed properly and not too loose.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot has been inspected as being in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models and this resulted in the USA ban on certain dangerous designs. Look for a model with an auto-locking side for the drop in the upward position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able pull the side down in order to climb out.
Corner Cots
While photos of styled nursery pictures may show blankets artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant deaths, all fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be pulled in tightly to reduce the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging over the cot, as they could be strangulation hazards and babies can catch their heads on them if they roll over during their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this minimalist crib bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It has a wide range of mattress positions and is easily converted into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a good choice for parents who have ceilings that slope as it has castors that can be locked to stop the cot from slipping down.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that is easily converted. It can be used by children from birth until age 4. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't be snagged in corners, and can easily fit into standard door frames. By removing the bars you can convert the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will make a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in off-white and stylish green. It is a great choice for parents looking for a durable product. It can be turned into a toddler's bed by removing its sides, and into a twin for older children when the front rails are removed. cot sets is also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment, teething rails, and an excellent hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or are looking for a design that will evolve with your child, there are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the change over simple when your child outgrows it, while others include drawers built in for storage and others even come with a changing station included!
It's handy to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins or other things that your child enjoys. It can also make it easier to tidy it up by putting everything all in one place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on their sides - perfect for infants who are teething!
If you're on a tight budget but still require a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. Its slimline and simple design can be incorporated in most rooms. It is compatible with the standard cot mattress and has three heights that can be adjusted to grow with your baby. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. There are furniture pieces that accompany it.
Although it can be tricky to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) Once it's assembled, it's light and durable. It has an additional feature: a tilting function that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's also available in a range 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 away from view but within easy reach. They come with an area to store the essentials. Some also come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
recommended you read might be able to transform your cot into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can transform into a junior bed when your child reaches five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a family member for a long time. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to two years old and that will grow with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. This classic cot is simple in design, but it comes with a variety of features like an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed up by expert advice from international sleep consultants. It's a significant investment, however, and may be beyond the budget of many families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.