Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent infants from falling out of bed or becoming suffocated when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should not have any sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots come with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. They often come in an unchanging size, and can be converted to a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for smaller nursery settings and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds and allow parents to keep an eye on their child while they sleep. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing on the sides. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling, these sides are an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are typically circular in shape to save space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are easy to move between spaces and are often on wheels or castors to enable you to move them around easily.
Many cots are simple and basic. Some come with extra features like teething rails or drawers for storage. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials as these are more robust 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 is a bigger 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 particularly beneficial in the event that you plan to have more than one baby since it makes it easier to change between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. The majority of cot beds are suitable from birth until your child is two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with a drop-side is ideal if you suffer from back pain because it means that you do not have to bend over the side as much. This is important since back problems are one of the most common problems amongst pregnant women and new parents, especially those who have previously hurt their backs.
This type of cot means that your baby will be reached more easily throughout the day without you needing to worry about your back or lifting them. However, you need to make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child isn't able to climb out.
If you're unsure the best cot for your child's needs we suggest contact Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you find 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 easy assembly. The mother tester Gina said that it was "a dream to build - extremely clear instructions with photos". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's durability and solid build makes it a good option for babies that can sleep all night. It is important to ensure that the cot's slats and frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot is certified as meeting British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models, and this has led to unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Find a cot that locks automatically the drop side when it is in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent your baby from pulling the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed near babies should be tucked tightly to reduce the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot since they can strangle infants or cause them to hit their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's sturdy, this minimalistic crib bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It comes with a wide variety of mattress bases and can be easily converted into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a good choice for parents with sloped ceilings because it comes with castors that can be locked to stop the cot from falling down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from birth until 4 years old. It has an unusual oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through door frames that are standard. By removing the bars you can convert the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
A top-quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green, and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's an excellent option for parents who appreciate longevity, as it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and into a twin bed for older children by taking out the front rails. It is also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment with teething rails as well as an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that could grow with them. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the switch to a toddler bed easy once your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Other cots come with built-in drawers to store things in and some have a changing area included!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins, and other things that your child will love. It is also easier to tidy it up by putting everything all in one spot. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips along the sides - great for babies who are teething!
If you're looking to save money but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It has a minimalist design that's slim and will fit well in most rooms. It takes an ordinary mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable base heights to accommodate the growing baby. infant cot bed can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to accompany it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions were not clear), once it's constructed it's lightweight and strong. It has an additional feature: a tilting feature which can aid with reflux and colic. Plus, infant cot bed in lots of different colours too so you can match it to other furniture in the nursery in the event that you want an aesthetically pleasing look.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight but still within reach. The majority of cots have an easy-to-access drawer where you can put away a lot of your essentials and some even have hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets, as well as teething rails to guard the sides of the cot from tooth-gnashing urges.
You might be able to transform your cot into 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 way to save money and make your cot a part of the family for a long time. Be sure to verify its dimensions before purchasing to ensure that it is suitable 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 take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. This classic cot has an easy design, but it offers many features such as an under-bed drawer for storage, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a high-tech solution for a better sleep, is a cot, bassinet, and moses basket in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed by the expertise of internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's an investment, though it may be out of budget for many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.