Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep infants from climbing out of the bed, or suffocating if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. They are usually of the fixed size and could be converted to a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are perfect for smaller nursery settings and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds which allows parents to keep an eye on their baby whilst they rest. These cots have fixed sides to stop babies from climbing over them. When best cots is able to stand and crawl on the sides, they pose dangerous and should be removed.
Cots are typically circular in shape to help reduce space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure place for your baby to sleep in. They can be easily moved between spaces and are often on wheels or castors that enable you to move them easily.
A lot of cots are basic and simple. Some come with extra features, like teething rails or drawers for storage. The most durable cots are constructed from natural materials since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of any stuffed pillows or animals, as they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot-bed can be a bigger version of a cot with removable sides and end panels. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers when your baby grows out of it. This feature is particularly useful in the event that you plan to have more than one baby, as it eliminates having to switch between different types of beds and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth to around two years of age, depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you are suffering from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best option. You won't need to bend over the side. This is important since back pain is one of the most common issues among new mothers and pregnant women particularly those who have had back injuries previously.
This type of cot means that your baby can be easily reached during the day without needing to worry about your back or lifting them. But, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the cot is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child won't be able to climb out.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure about which the best cot for your requirements. We can discuss your options. We can help you choose a safe, stylish cot that will grow with your child and meet all safety standards required by law.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for being simple to put together. Gina mother tester, said it was "a simple assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It includes teething rails, a drawer for storage and three different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot is an excellent option for babies who are able to sleep all the night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed from a safe material like solid wood, and that the slats are fixed properly and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot is certified as meeting British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models which resulted in the USA ban on certain dangerous designs. Find a cot with an auto-locking side for the drop in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
While photos of styled nursery pictures may show blankets artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, all fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be pulled into a tight swaddle to avoid the risk of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be hung above the cot as they pose a strangulation risk and babies can catch their heads on them when they slumber during their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a low-cost option but it's actually quite durable. It's suitable for infants up to toddlers. It can be made into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It is an ideal choice for parents who have high ceilings that slope. It has lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed is used from birth until the child is 4 years old. It has a unique oval shape which means it won't get stuck in corners and will easily fit through standard door frames. By removing the bars you can transform the cot into a chic bed for older children.
A high-quality piece that's a good investment, this curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green, and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's an excellent option for parents who value durability, since it can be made into a toddler bed by removing the sides and into a twin bed for an older child by taking out the front rails. It's also extremely durable and has a storage area, teething rails, and an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you want additional storage space for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that could expand with them. Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds, allowing you to quickly switch them out when your child outgrows them. Some have built-in drawers for storage and some even come with a nappy changing station!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins or other things that your child loves. It can also make it easier to clean up by putting everything in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips on their sides - ideal for teething infants!
If you're looking to save money but still need a chic and practical cot, the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It's slimline and minimalist design will work in the majority of rooms. It is compatible with an ordinary mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable heights for the base to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to be used with it.
It's not easy to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed it's light and durable. It has an additional feature: a tilting function which can aid with colic and reflux. It's also available in a range of colors, meaning you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery for a cohesive look.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage will be ideal. They come with drawers to store the essentials. Some also come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
It is possible to transform your cot into a daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can be converted into a junior bed once your child turns 5. This is a an excellent value for money and ensures that your cot will be an integral part of your family for many years to come, but be sure to verify the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate for the nursery before purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a chic cot that is suitable for infants up to 2 years old. It will also grow with your child. The classic cot features an easy design, but it offers numerous features, including an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage as well as a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed up by expert advice from international sleep experts. The price is high and may not be within the budget of a lot of families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.