Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent infants from falling out of their beds or dying in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They shouldn't have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four secure sides to ensure your baby's security at all times. They are usually of an unchanging size, and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed beside the parents' bed, giving them a view of their child while they sleep. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that stop infants from climbing over the sides. However, once babies can crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous 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 in shape to save space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure place for your baby to rest in. They are easy to transport and usually have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some have extra features, like teething rails or storage drawers. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials because they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of any toys or pillows as they could pose the risk of suffocation to children who are still young.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot which includes removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly useful in the event that you're planning to have more than one child since it removes the need to switch between various kinds of furniture, and also saves money by purchasing separate beds. Most cot beds can be used right from birth until your infant is around two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best alternative. It won't require you to bend as much over the side. This is important since back pain is among the most frequent problems for pregnant women and new parents especially those who had back injuries previously.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or worry about your back. You must make sure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to prevent your child from escaping.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if you aren't sure which cot will best suit your needs. We can talk about your options. We can help you choose a stylish, safe cot that will develop with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It received high marks for its easy assembly. The mother tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions with pictures". It comes with teething rails and a drawer for storage and three different mattress height positions.
The cot is an excellent option for babies that sleep all the night. It is important to ensure that the slats of the cot's frame are properly secured and not too loose.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot has been inspected as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models, and this led to unsafe designs being prohibited in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking side for the drop in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop 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 fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, any fabrics that are placed near the baby should be pulled in tightly to avoid the risk of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging over the cot, as they can be strangulating and children could get their heads against them when they roll over in their sleep.
This cot-bed that is minimalistic is a budget buy but it's actually quite durable. It's suitable for babies up 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 ceilings that slope as it has lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until four years old. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't get stuck in corners and can easily fit into standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a chic bench-style bed for older children by simply lifting the bars.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that will make a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in off-white and stylish green. It's a great option for parents who value longevity, as it can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and into a twin bed for a child who is older by taking out the front rails. It is also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment, teething rails, and an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are numerous options on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that can grow with them. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the change over easy when your little one outgrows it. Other cots have built in drawers for storage and others even come with a changing station included!
A crib with drawers is ideal for keeping all your little one's favourite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets. It can also make tidying up easier as you can keep everything in the same place. These cots also have anti-bite strips on the sides, which are great for teething infants!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a budget but still want a stylish, practical cot. It's simple and slimline aesthetic that'll be a good fit in any room. It can be used in conjunction with an ordinary cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base to increase along with your child. It can be made into a toddler's bed by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to accompany it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to construct (one of our testers complained that the instructions were not clear), once it's constructed it's lightweight and strong. It also has an added benefit: a tilting function that can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in lots of different colours too so you can match it with other furniture in the nursery if you're going for an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage is ideal. The cots come with drawers to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the style of your cot, you may be able to transform it into a toddler bed or day bed when your child is ready for a change or turn into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a part of the family for many years. Be sure to check its dimensions before purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth until two years old and will develop with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. This classic cot has a simple design, but it offers numerous features, including an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage and a rail for teething and www.cots4tots.co.uk height levels that can be adjusted. It's also easy to assemble with alphabetically labelled parts and excellent instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a high-tech solution for a better sleep, is a cot, moses basket, and bassinet in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed up by expert advice from international sleep consultants. The investment is high and may not fit into the budget of some families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.