Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect babies from falling out of bed or becoming suffocated when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have four secured sides, so you can be sure your child is secure at all times. Many cots come in fixed-sizes and can be transformed into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed alongside the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their child while they lay down. These cots have fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over them. But once infants can crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and therefore they need to be removed to prevent your child from falling out of the their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are generally circular in shape to reduce space and are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and offer a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are portable and typically have wheels or castors so you can move them around.
Some cots come with extra features like teething rails or drawers but many are simple and basic. Natural materials are the best because they are durable and more resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of toys and pillows as they could pose a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of a cot that has removable sides and an end panel, meaning it can be transformed into a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. This feature is especially useful when you are planning to have more than one baby since it makes it easier to switch between different types of beds and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. Most cot beds are suitable from birth until your infant is two years old, based on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the best option. It won't require you to bend as much over the side. This is crucial as back pain is one of the most common issues among pregnant women and new parents, especially those who have previously hurt their backs.
This kind of cot lets you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without having to lift 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 get out.
If you are unsure about which cot is right for your needs We suggest getting in touch with Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can help you choose the most secure, stylish cot that grows with your child, and meet all safety standards that are required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It scored high marks for its ease of assembly. Gina, a mum tester said it was "a breeze to assemble - clearly and with illustrations". It comes with teething rail and a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy structure makes it an excellent option for babies who do not sleep through the night. It is important to ensure that the slats of the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been certified to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models, and this has led to some unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Look for a model with an auto-locking drop side in the up position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able pull the side down in order to climb out.
Corner Cots
While photos of styled nursery pictures may show blankets artistically wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby must be tucked in tightly to reduce the possibility of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be left hanging above the cot, as they can be strangulating and infants could catch their heads on them if they roll over in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain but it's actually quite durable. It's suitable for infants all the way to toddlers. It comes with a wide variety of mattress bases and can easily be transformed into a toddler 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 lock to prevent the cot from slipping down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until four years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it will not get caught in corners, and it can easily fit into the standard door frames. cribs beds can also be converted into a chic bench-style bed for an older child by simply lifting the bars.
A quality piece that's a great investment This curved cot is available in either off-white or stylish green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides and then into a twin bed for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It is also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment as well as teething rails and an excellent hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you need extra storage space for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that can grow with them. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the transition to a toddler bed easy once your child outgrows it, while others include drawers built in for storage, and some include a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, and other things that your child enjoys. It also makes it easier to tidy it up, as everything is all in one spot. These cots also have anti-bite strips along the sides, which are great for teething infants!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a budget but still want a stylish, practical cot. Its slimline and minimalist design will work in any room. It can be used with the standard mattress for a cot and comes with three heights that can be adjusted to accommodate the growing baby. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that accompany it.
It's not easy to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions were unclear) however, once built, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It also comes with a bonus: a tilting feature that can help with colic or reflux. Plus, it's available in lots of different colors, so you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery in the event that you want an aesthetically pleasing style.
top rated cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage will be ideal. The cots come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
Based on the design of your cot you might be able to turn it into a toddler bed or a day bed when your child is ready for an upgrade or be converted into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for a long time. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to buying to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.
If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to two years and will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot is simple in design, but it comes with a variety of features like an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled components and excellent instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to better sleep is a cot bassinet, and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by the expertise of international sleep experts. It's a significant investment, however, and may be out of budget for many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.