Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots stop children from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have 4 solid sides, which means you can be sure your child is secure throughout the day. They often come in the fixed size and could be converted to a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for smaller nurseries and can be easily placed on top of parents' beds, allowing them to keep an eye on their child as they rest. These cots have fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over them. But, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and must be removed to stop your child from falling off of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner which can help save space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and secure place for your baby to sleep. They are easy to transport and usually have castors or wheels so you can move them around.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features such as drawers with teething rails or teething rails but most are basic. The best cots are made of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, as they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot which has removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be converted into a toddler bed after your child has outgrown it. This feature is especially useful in the event that you plan to have more than one child since it makes it easier to switch between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. The majority of cot-beds are suitable from birth to around two years of age depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with a drop-side is ideal if you suffer from back pain since it means that you do not have to bend over the side as much. Back pain is a common problem for pregnant women and new mothers, particularly if they have had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot also allows your baby to be reached more easily during the day without needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. However, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm in order that your child isn't able to climb out.
If you're unsure which cot is best for your child's needs, we recommend 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, meeting all mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top choice. It scored high marks for its ease of assembly. Gina mom test-sitting said it was "a easy assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It comes with teething rail, a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.
The cot's strength and solid structure makes it an excellent choice for babies who do not sleep through the night. Make sure that the slats of the cot's frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot has been certified to be in compliance with British safety regulations. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this has led to some dangerous designs being outlawed in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side in the upward position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery might show blankets that are artistically wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed near the baby should be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the possibility of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging over the cot as they can be strangulating and babies can catch their heads on them if they slumber during their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's robust, this minimalist cot bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It offers a variety of mattress positions and can be easily transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great option for parents with sloped ceilings since it has lockable castors to prevent the cot from slipping down.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from birth until four years old. It has an unique oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and can easily fit through door frames that are standard. By removing the bars, you can transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
A high-quality piece that's an excellent investment, this curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It's an excellent option for parents who value longevity, as it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides, and then into a twin bed for a child who is older by taking out the front rails. It is also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment with teething rails as well as an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you want a design that will evolve with your child There are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, allowing you to easily switch when your child is old enough to use them. Some have built-in drawers for storage and some come with a nappy changing station!
It's convenient to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins, or other items that your child loves. It is also easier to clean up since everything is in one place. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips on the sides - great for babies who are teething!
If you're on a budget but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's minimalist design that's slim and will fit well in most rooms. It can be used with a standard cot bed and comes with three heights adjustable for the base, allowing it to grow with your child. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a selection of furniture that can be used with it.
It's not easy to put together (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built it is light and durable. It also has an added benefit: a tilting feature that can aid in treating colic or reflux. It's also available in a variety of colours, so you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery to create a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view but still within reach. The majority of cots have a drawer that can put away a lot of your essentials and some even have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets and a teething rail to protect the sides of your cot from teething inclinations.
You may be able transform your cot into toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to become a junior bed after your child turns 5. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a family member for a long time. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to buying to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.
If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth to two years old and that will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. mini cotbed is simple in appearance but comes with plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep, and is backed by expert advice from international sleep experts. It's an investment, though, and may be beyond the budget of many families. Mini Cot Bed will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.