Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep children from falling out of their beds or becoming suffocated when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots come with four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's security at all times. They usually come in a fixed size and may be converted into a toddler bed when your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for smaller nurseries and can be placed on top of parents' beds and allow parents to watch their child as they rest. They have sides that are fixed to prevent infants from climbing over them. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling over the sides, they pose a safety risk and should be removed.
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 comfortable and secure space for your baby to sleep in. They are easy to move between spaces and are often on wheels or castors to enable you to move them easily.
Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some have extra features like teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of any toys or pillows as these can pose a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of a cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be turned into a toddler bed when your child has outgrown it. This feature is especially useful when you plan to have more than one child since it removes the necessity of switching between different types of furniture and saves money on separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth to around two years of age dependent on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best alternative. You won't have to bend over the side. Back back pain is a common occurrence for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially when they've had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot also means that your baby can be reached more easily during the day without needing to worry about your back or lifting them. You must ensure that there is at least 4cm between the base and the mattress to avoid your child from escaping.
If you're not sure which cot is best for your needs We suggest calling us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can discuss your options. We can help you choose an elegant, safe cot that grows with your child, and meet all safety standards required by law.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being simple to construct. Gina mother tester has said that it was "a easy assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails, and 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's strength and solid construction makes it a great option for babies who sleep through the night. Make sure that the slats of the cot's frame are properly secured and not too loose.
Verify that the cot is certified to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models and this resulted in the USA ban on certain dangerous designs. Find a cot that auto locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your child from pulling the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any fabric placed near babies should be tucked tightly to reduce the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the cot as they can strangle infants or cause them to crash their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It can be converted to a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a great choice for parents who have ceilings that slope, since it comes with lockable castors that stop the cot from falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed is used from birth until four years old. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it doesn't get stuck in corners, and can easily fit into standard door frames. The cot can also be converted into a stylish bench-style bed for older children by removing the bars.
A high-quality piece that's an excellent investment This curved cot is available in off-white or stylish green, and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's a great choice for parents who are looking for a durable product. It can be transformed 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's also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment with teething rails as well as an ideal hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you want a design that will adapt to their needs, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the change to a toddler bed easy once your child outgrows it. cheap cots come with built-in drawers for storage and others even have a changing area included!
A crib with drawers is ideal to store all your child's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets in, and it helps in tidying up since you can store everything in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips along the sides, which are great for infants who are teething!
If you're on a budget but still need a chic and practical cot, the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. Its slim and simple design can be incorporated in most rooms. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot and comes with three heights adjustable for the base to grow with your child. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to go along with it.
It's not easy to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear) However, once it's constructed it is light and durable. It also comes with a bonus: a tilting feature that can aid in treating reflux or colic. 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
If you want your baby's toys and bedding out of sight, but still within easy reach, a cot with storage will be ideal. The majority of cots have a handy 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 little one's tooth-gnashing urges.
It is possible to transform your cot into toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can transform into a junior bed when your child turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a part of the family for many years. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a fashionable cot that can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It can also grow with your child. This classic cot has an unassuming design, however it offers many features like an under-bed drawer for storage and a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. It's also simple to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a high-tech solution to better sleep, is a cot, moses basket, and bassinet all in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from international sleep experts. The price is high and may not be within the budget of a lot of families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.