Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect babies from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They shouldn't have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four secure sides to ensure your baby's safety at all times. They often come in a fixed size and may be converted into an infant bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed alongside the parents' bed, giving parents to see their child as they sleep. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over them. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are generally circular in shape to help reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and safe space for your baby to rest in. They are easily portable and often come with castors or wheels so you can move them around.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features, like teething rails or drawers but most are basic. The best cots are made of natural materials because 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 children who are still young.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot which features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be converted into a toddler bed when your child has outgrown it. This feature is especially useful when you are planning to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to change between different types and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. The majority of cribs can be used from birth until your infant is around two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has drop sides is perfect for those who suffer from back pain because it means that you do not have to bend over the side as much. This is crucial as back pain is among the most common problems amongst new mothers and pregnant women especially those who suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without lifting them or worry about your back. However, you need to make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm so that your child won't be able to get out.
If you're unsure which cot is right for your needs We suggest contact Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you select a stylish and safe cot that will grow along with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top choice. It was praised for its ease of assembly. The mother tester Gina said it was "a dream to construct - very clear instructions with pictures". It comes with teething rail and a drawer for storage and three different mattress height positions.
The cot is an excellent option for babies that sleep all at night. But make sure whether the cot is constructed from a safe material like solid wood and that the slats have been fixed correctly and not loosened.
Check to see if the cot is certified as meeting British safety regulations. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this has led to dangerous designs being prohibited in the USA. Look for a model with an auto-locking drop side that locks in the upward position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able lower the side to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any fabric placed close to babies should be tucked tightly to prevent the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the cot since they can strangle infants or cause them to hit their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's sturdy, this minimalistic 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 an ideal choice for parents who have sloped ceilings, as it has lockable castors that stop the cot from falling down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from birth until the child is 4 years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it will not get stuck in corners and can easily fit into the standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a chic bench-style bed for older children by simply lifting the bars.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that will make a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in stylish green and off-white. It's an excellent option for parents who value durability, since it can be made into an infant bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for older children by cutting off the front rails. It's also extremely sturdy and includes a storage compartment with teething rails as well as an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or are looking for a design that will grow with them, there are plenty of options on the market. homepage can be converted into toddler beds, making the change over easy when your child outgrows it. Some come with built-in drawers for storage, and some come with a changing station included!
A cot with drawers is great to keep all your little one's favourite toys, muslin towels or blankets, and it helps in tidying up as you can keep everything in the same space. These cots also have anti-bite strips along the sides - perfect for infants who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a budget but still want a stylish, practical cot. It's a minimalist and sleek design that will fit well in most rooms. It can be used in conjunction with an ordinary cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base to increase with your child. It can be made into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels and there's a variety of matching furniture to go with it.
It's not an easy thing to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed it's light and long-lasting. It also comes with 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 match it with other furniture for your nursery if you want a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage will be ideal. These cots have 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 style of your cot, you may be able to transform it into a toddler bed or a day bed when your child is ready for an upgrade, and some can even turn into a junior bed after your baby turns five. This provides you with the best value for money and ensures that your cot will be an integral part of your family for years to come, but make sure to check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate for your nursery before buying.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a fashionable cot that is suitable for babies up to two years old. It can also grow with your child. The classic cot features an easy design, but it comes with many features like an under-bed drawer to store items, a teething rail, and height levels that can be adjusted. It's also easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed up by expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's an investment, however it may be out of budget for many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.