Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep babies from climbing out of the bed, or suffocating in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four secure sides to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. A lot of cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed beside the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their baby while they sleep. The cots are designed with fixed sides to stop babies from climbing over them. However, once babies can crawl and stand up, these sides become a danger to safety and therefore they need to be removed to stop your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner which can help save space. They are also more compact 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 rooms and are usually mounted on wheels or on castors to enable you to move them with ease.
A lot of cots are simple and basic. 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 kept free of stuffed toys or pillows since they can create the risk of suffocation to young children.
A cot-bed is a bigger version than a cot, with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you expect to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to switch between different types and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth to around two years old, depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best option. You won't need to bend as much over the side. Back back pain is a common occurrence for pregnant women and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without having to lift them or worry about your back. It is essential to ensure that there is at least 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to stop your child from climbing out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if you are unsure about which cot will best suit your needs. We can discuss your options. We can help you choose an attractive and safe cot that will grow along with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being simple to construct. Gina mother tester, said it was "a simple assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It comes with a teething rail, a drawer for storage and 3 different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy structure makes it an excellent choice for babies who can sleep all night. It is important to ensure that the cot's slats and frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Verify that the cot has been certified as meeting British safety regulations. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models which led to the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking side for the drop in the upward position. nursery cots will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able lower the side to climb out.
cots to tots
While styled nursery photos might show blankets that are artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed near the baby should be tucked in tightly to avoid the possibility of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot as they could strangle babies or cause them to fall on their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's sturdy, this minimalistic crib bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It comes with a wide variety of mattress base positions and can easily be converted into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great option for parents who have ceilings that slope because it comes with castors that can be locked to stop the cot from slipping down.
This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that can be easily transformed. It can be used by children from birth up to age 4. Its unique oval shape ensures that it won't be snagged in corners, and can easily fit into the standard door frames. By removing the bars, it is possible to transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that will create an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in stylish green and off-white. It is a great choice for parents looking for a durable product. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing its sides and into a twin for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely sturdy and includes an storage drawer as well as teething rails, as well as an ideal hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you want extra storage for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that can adapt to their needs. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the change over simple when your child outgrows it. Some come with built-in drawers to store things in and some include a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins or other things that your child enjoys. It can also make it easier to tidy it up by putting everything in one place. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips along the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
If you're on a budget but still require a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It's a minimalist design that's slim and will work well in all rooms. It is compatible with an ordinary crib mattress and has three heights that can be adjusted to accommodate the growing baby. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a selection of matching furniture with it.
It's not an easy thing to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting function that can aid in treating reflux or colic. It's also available in a range of colours, so you can match it with other furniture for your nursery to create a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage will be ideal. They come with an area to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the design of your cot you might be able to turn it into a toddler bed or a day bed if your child is ready for an upgrade, and some can even be converted into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a member of the family for a long time. Make sure you check its dimensions before purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a chic cot that can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It can also grow with your child. The classic cot features an easy design, but it offers many features like an under-bed drawer to store items as well as a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is easy to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge 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 by expert advice from international consultants. The cost is expensive and might not be within the budget of many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.