Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots stop infants from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's security at all times. They usually come in a fixed size and may be converted into an infant bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for smaller nurseries and can be fitted alongside parents' beds which allows parents to watch their child while they sleep. They are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent infants from climbing over the sides. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling on the sides, they pose dangerous and should be removed.
Cots are usually circular to help reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure space for your baby to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between spaces and are often mounted on wheels or on castors to enable you to move them with ease.
Many cots are basic and simple. Some come with extra features like teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best as they are more durable and resistant to wear. It is essential to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot that has removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is no longer using it. This feature is especially useful if you are expecting to have more than one child as it eliminates the need to switch between various types of furniture and saves money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth until around two years of age, depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop side is ideal for those suffering from back pain as it means you aren't bending over the side as much. This is important since back pain is one of the most common problems amongst pregnant women and new parents especially those who suffered back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot means that your baby can be reached more easily throughout the day without needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. It is essential to make sure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base and the mattress to prevent your child from climbing out.
If you are unsure about the best cot for your needs we suggest getting in touch with Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can assist you in finding the most secure, stylish cot that can grow with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for its ease to put together. Mum tester Gina said it was "a dream to build - very clear instructions with pictures". It also comes with a handy teething rails and drawers, and 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
cribs beds is a good option for babies who are able to sleep all the night. But make sure that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats are secured in a proper manner and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models which resulted in the USA banning some unsafe designs. Find a cot that automatically locks the drop side when in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your child from being able to pull the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets adorably draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed near the baby must be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the danger of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot, since they can be strangulating and children could get their heads on them if they roll over during their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's sturdy, this minimalistic crib bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It offers a variety of mattress positions and can easily be transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great choice for parents who have high ceilings that slope. It has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
best crib for newborn that's easy to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed can be used from birth until four years old. It features a unique oval shape which ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and can easily pass through standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a stylish bench bed for an older child by lifting the bars.
A high-quality piece that's a great investment, this curved cot bed is available in either off-white or fashionable green and will be the focal point of any nursery. 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 then into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely sturdy and has a storage area, teething rails, and an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or want a design that will evolve with your child There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the transition over easy when your child outgrows it. Some include drawers built in for storage, and some have a changing area included!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, or other items that your child will love. It is also easier to clean up by putting everything all in one spot. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips along the sides - great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget and still want a chic, practical cot. It has a minimalist and sleek design that will work well in all rooms. It can be used with a standard cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base to grow along with your child. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to go along with it.
It can be difficult to assemble (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built it's light and long-lasting. It also has an added benefit: a tilting function which can help with colic or reflux. Additionally, it's available in a variety of colors so you can match it to other nursery furniture if you're going for an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from sight, but still within easy reach, a cot with storage is ideal. The majority of cots have an easy-to-access drawer where you can put away a lot of your essentials and some come with hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets as well as a teething rail to protect the cot sides from your child's tooth-gnashing urges.
Based on the style of your cot you might be able to turn it into an infant bed or a day bed when your child is ready for an upgrade or transform into a junior bed when your child is five. This provides you with great value for money and ensures that your cot will be a part of the family for many years to come, but be certain to look at the dimensions to make sure it's a good fit for your nursery prior to purchasing.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth to two years old and will develop with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has a simple design, but it offers many features like an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage, a teething rail, and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is easy to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a high-tech solution for a better sleep, is a cot, bassinet, and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from international sleep consultants. The cost is expensive and might not be within the budget of many families. Our full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.