Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent children from falling out of their beds or becoming suffocated in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots have 4 solid sides, which means you can rest assured that your baby is safe at all times. They usually come in an unchanging size, and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for small nurseries and can be placed on top of parents' beds and allow parents to watch their child while they rest. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that prevent children from climbing over the sides. But, once babies can crawl and stand up, the sides become a safety hazard and therefore they need to be removed to stop your child from falling out of bed or injuring themselves.
cheap cot beds are generally circular to help reduce space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a comfortable and safe place for your child to sleep. They are easy to move between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors to allow you to move them easily.
A lot of cots are basic and straightforward. Some come with extra features, like teething rails or storage drawers. Natural materials are the best because they are more durable and resistant to wear. It is crucial to keep them free of any stuffed pillows or animals, as they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of the cot which features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be turned into a toddler bed when your child is no longer using 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 of beds and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth until around two years old dependent on the weight and size 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 don't have to bend over the side as much. This is important as back problems are one of the most common issues among new mothers and pregnant women especially those who suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows your baby to be easily reached during the day without you having to worry about your back or lifting them. But, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm so that your child won't be able to get out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if you aren't sure which cot will best suit your requirements. We can talk about your options. We can assist you in finding the most secure, stylish cot that can grow with your child, meeting all safety standards required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for being easy to put together. Gina mother tester said it was "a easy assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It comes with teething rails and a drawer for storage and three different positions for the mattress's height.
crib sets is an excellent 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 in a proper manner and not too loose.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot has been inspected to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models, and this has led to dangerous designs being outlawed in the USA. Look for a model with an auto-locking drop side that locks in the upward position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets adorably wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics that are placed near the baby must be tucked in tightly to reduce the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be hung above the cot, as they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads on them if they roll over during their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain however, it's extremely sturdy. It's suitable for babies all the way to toddlers. It can be transformed to a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a great option for parents who have sloped ceilings, as it has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that is easily converted. It can be used by children as young as until age 4. It features an unique oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and will easily fit through standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can convert the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will make a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in a stylish green and off-white. It's a great option for parents who are looking for a long-lasting product. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides, or into a twin bed for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment as well as teething rails and a handy hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you are looking for a design that will grow with them There are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the transition over simple when your child outgrows it. Other cots include drawers built in for storage, and some have a changing area included!
It's handy to have a cot that has drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins, and other things that your child loves. It also makes it easier to clean up since everything is all in one place. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips along the sides - great for babies who are teething!
If you're on a budget but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's slimline and simple design can be incorporated in any room. It can be used with a standard cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base to increase as your child grows. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by taking off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to go along with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear), once it's constructed it is lightweight and sturdy. It also has a unique feature: a tilting feature which can help with colic and reflux. It's also available in a range of colors, so you can coordinate it with other furniture in the 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 toys and bedding out of view but easily accessible. They come with drawers to store the essentials. Some come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
It is possible to transform your cot into toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. crib sets are able to become a junior bed after your child turns five. This provides you with an excellent value for money and guarantees that your cot will be a part of the family for many years to come, but be sure to verify the dimensions to make sure it's a good fit for the nursery before purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a stylish cot that can be used for infants from 2 to 2 years old. It will also grow with your child. This classic cot is minimalist in appearance but comes with plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. It's also a breeze to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to get a better night's sleep it's a cot, moses basket, and bassinet in one. It's set to revolutionise the way that babies sleep and is backed up by the expertise of international sleep experts. It's a significant investment, however it could be out of budget for many families. Our full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.