Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep babies from falling out of their beds or dying if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots are designed with four secure sides to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. They usually come in a fixed size and may be converted into a toddler bed when your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for smaller nursery settings and can be easily installed alongside the beds of parents, allowing them to watch their child as they rest. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing over them. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a safety hazard and therefore they need to be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are generally circular in shape to help 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 able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors that allow you to move them around easily.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features such as drawers or teething rails, but most are basic. The best cots are made from natural materials since they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of toys and pillows as they could pose danger of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of a cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel. This means it can be transformed into a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. This feature is especially useful if you expect to have more than one child because it means you don't have to switch between different types of beds and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth until around two years old depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you are suffering from back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the best alternative. You won't need to bend as much over the side. This is important as back pain is one of the most common problems amongst pregnant women and new parents particularly those who have previously hurt their backs.
This kind of cot lets you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day without having to lift them or worry about your back. You must make sure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base and the mattress to prevent your child from escaping.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if aren't sure which the best cot for your needs. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can assist you in finding a safe, stylish cot that can grow with your child, and meet all safety standards that are required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It received high marks for its ease of assembly. Mom tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to build - very clear instructions with pictures". It includes teething rail and a drawer for storage and three different mattress height positions.
The cot's strength and solid build makes it a good option for babies that sleep through the night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed from a sanitized material such as solid wood and that the slats are secured in a proper manner and not too loose.
Verify that the cot has been certified to meet British safety regulations. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models and this led to the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side that locks in the upward position. small cot beds will require two actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
While styled nursery photos may show blankets adorably wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, all fabrics placed near the baby should be pulled in tightly to avoid the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the cot as they can strangle infants or cause them to hit their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly sturdy, this minimalistic crib bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It has a wide range of mattress positions and is easily converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It is also a great option for parents with sloped ceilings, as it has lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from birth until four years old. It features 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 it is possible to transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
A quality piece that's a great investment This curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green, and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It's a great choice for parents who are seeking a durable item. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides, and into a twin for an older child when the front rails are removed. It is also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment as well as 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 clothes or bedding, or you want a design that will grow with them, there are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, allowing you to easily switch when your child is old enough to use them. Others have built-in drawers for storage and some have a changing station!
It's handy to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, and other things that your child will love. It can also make it easier to tidy up by putting everything all in one spot. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a tight budget and still want a stylish, practical cot. It's a minimalist and sleek design that will fit well in most rooms. It is compatible with an ordinary cot mattress and has three adjustable base heights to grow with your baby. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to accompany it.
It's not easy to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It comes with a further feature: a tilting feature which can aid with colic and reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can pair it with other nursery furnishings if you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal when you 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 are also equipped with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the design of your cot, you may be able to convert it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for an upgrade, and some can even transform into a junior bed after your child is five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a part of the family for many years. Be sure to verify its dimensions before purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth to 2 years and will grow with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. The classic crib is simple in its appearance but comes with plenty of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also easy to assemble with alphabetically labelled components and excellent instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a high-tech solution to get a better night's sleep, is a cot, bassinet, and moses basket in one. It is set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and includes expert advice from international experts. The price is high and may not fit into the budget of a lot of families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.