Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent children from climbing out of the bed, or suffocating when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have 4 secure sides, so you can be sure your child is secure throughout the day. They often come in the fixed size and could be converted to an infant bed as your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed alongside the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their child while they sleep. They are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent children from climbing over the sides. Once your baby is able to stand and crawl over the sides, they pose dangerous and should be removed.
Cots have a circular shape, which helps in reducing space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually mounted on wheels or on castors to enable you to move them with ease.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features like teething rails or drawers however, many are basic and basic. The best cots are made of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of stuffed toys or pillows as they could pose a risk of suffocation for children who are still young.
A cot-bed is a bigger version than a cot, with a removable side and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your baby grows out of it. This feature is particularly useful in the event that you're planning to have more than one child as it eliminates the need to switch between different kinds of furniture and helps save money on separate beds. Most cribs can be used from birth until your infant is two years old, based on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
If you are suffering from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best option. It won't require you to bend over the side. Back pain is a common issue for pregnant women and newly mothers, particularly if they have had back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot lets 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 base of the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child won't be able to get out.
If you're unsure the best cot for your child's needs we suggest calling Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can assist you in choosing a stylish and safe cot that will grow along with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for being simple to put together. Gina mom test-sitting said it was "a breeze to assemble - clearly and with illustrations". It also comes with a practical drawer and teething rails plus three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is a great option for babies who sleep all the night. But make sure that the cot is made from a safe material like solid wood and that the slats have been fixed properly and not too loose.
Verify that the cot has been certified to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models, and this led to dangerous designs being outlawed in the USA. Look for a model with an auto-locking drop side in the upward position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able lower the side 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 that is working to end sudden infant deaths, all fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be tucked in tightly to reduce the danger of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the cot as they could strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this minimalist crib bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It's an ideal choice for parents with sloped ceilings, as it comes with lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until 4 years old. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't get stuck in corners, and it can easily fit into doors with standard frames. The cot can also be transformed into a stylish bench-style bed for older children by lifting the bars.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will create an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in stylish green and off-white. It's a great choice for parents who are looking for a durable product. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing its sides or into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly sturdy and comes with an storage drawer as well as teething rails, as well as a handy hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you need a design that can adapt to their needs There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds, so that you can easily switch when your child outgrows them. Some come with built-in drawers to store things and some include a changing station!
It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, or other items that your child will love. It can also make it easier to tidy it up since everything is all in one spot. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips along the sides - great for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It has a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll fit well in most rooms. It can be used with an ordinary crib mattress and has three adjustable heights for the base to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be made into a toddler's bed by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to go along with it.
It's not an easy thing to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear) However, once it's constructed it's light and long-lasting. It comes with a further feature: a tilting function which can aid with colic and reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can coordinate it with other furniture for your nursery if you want a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is ideal when you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view but within easy reach. The majority of cots have a handy drawer where you can store lots of essentials, and some have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets and teething rails to guard the sides of the cot from your little one's teething inclinations.
You might be able to transform your cot into daybed or toddler bed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can transform into a junior bed when your baby turns 5. This provides you with the best value for money and will ensure that your cot will remain part of the family for years to come, but make sure to check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate for your nursery before buying.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a fashionable cot which can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It also grows with your child. The classic cot is minimalist in appearance but comes with plenty of features like an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep, and is backed by the expertise of international sleep experts. It's an investment, though, and may be priced out of the budget of many families. Our full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.