Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent babies from falling out of their beds or becoming suffocated if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four secure sides, so you can be sure your child is secure throughout the day. Many cots come in a fixed-size and can be transformed into a toddler bed if your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily placed on top of the parents' bed, giving them a view of their baby while they rest. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent babies from stepping over them. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling on the sides, they pose dangerous and should be removed.
Cots are circular in shape, which helps in reducing space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and safe place for your child to sleep. They are easy to transport and often have wheels or castors so you can move them around.
Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails or drawers but most are basic. Natural materials are the best as they are durable and resistant to wear. It is important to keep them free of stuffed pillows or animals, as they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot-bed is a bigger version than a cot, with a removable side and end panels. It can be converted into a toddler's bed once your baby grows out of it. This feature is particularly useful if you are expecting to have more than one child since it removes the necessity of switching between different types of furniture and saves money on buying separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to about two years of age, depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back discomfort, a cot that has a drop-side is the best alternative. It won't require you to bend over the side. This is important as back problems are one of the most common problems amongst new mothers and pregnant women, especially those who have previously hurt their backs.
This type of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without lifting them or worry about your back. However, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the cot is at least 4cm so that your child can't climb out.
If you're unsure which cot is best for your child's needs We suggest contact Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can assist you in finding an elegant, safe cot that can grow with your child, meeting all safety standards required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It received high marks for its easy assembly. Mom tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions with pictures". cots 4 tots comes with teething rails as well as a drawer to store things in and 3 different mattress height positions.
The cot is a great option for babies who sleep all the night. It is important to ensure that the cot's slats and frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot is certified as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models and this resulted in the USA banning certain unsafe designs. Look for a model that locks automatically the drop side when in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your baby from being able to pull the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
While photos of styled nursery pictures may show blankets adorably draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics that are placed near the baby must be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the possibility of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot since they can strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain, but it's surprisingly sturdy. It's suitable for infants to toddlers. It can be made into a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a good choice for parents with sloped ceilings as it has castors that lock to prevent the cot from falling down.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that is easily converted. It can be used by children from birth to age 4. It features a unique oval shape which ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and will easily fit through door frames that are standard. The cot can also be converted into a stylish bench bed for an older child by removing the bars.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that can be a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It is available in a stylish green and off-white. It's a great choice for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be turned into a toddler's bed by removing its sides, and into a twin for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment as well as teething rails and an ideal hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you want extra storage space for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that can grow with them. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the change over easy when your little one outgrows it, while others come with built-in drawers for storage and others even have a changing area included!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, and other things that your child will love. It is also easier to tidy up, as everything is all in one spot. Many of these cots have anti-bite strips of plastic on the side too - perfect for teething babies!
If you're on a budget but still need a chic and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. Its slim and simple design can be incorporated in the majority of rooms. It can be used with a standard cot mattress and has three adjustable base heights to accommodate the growing baby. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to be used with it.
Although it's not easy to build (one of our testers noted that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, it's lightweight and strong. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function which can aid with colic and reflux. Additionally, it's available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to other nursery furniture to create a cohesive style.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal when you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight but still within reach. These cots usually feature a drawer that can keep a variety of items and some even have hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets, as well as teething rails to guard the sides of the cot from your little one's teething inclinations.
You may be able transform your cot into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to become a junior bed after your child reaches 5. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a part of the family for a long time. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits 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 Sleigh Cotbed. The classic crib is simple in its appearance but comes with plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a high-tech solution to better sleep, is a cot, moses basket, and bassinet in one. It's set to revolutionise the way that babies sleep and is backed up by expert advice from international sleep experts. The investment is high and may not be within the budget of many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.