Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep babies from climbing out of the bed or becoming suffocated if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have four solid sides, which means you can be sure your child is secure at all times. Many cots come in fixed-sizes and can be made into a toddler bed if your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are perfect for small nurseries and can be placed on top of parents' beds which allows parents to watch their baby whilst they rest. They are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent children from climbing over the sides. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous and therefore they need to be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of the their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are circular in shape that helps to reduce space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and secure space for your baby to sleep. They are easily portable and typically come with castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
A lot of cots are basic and straightforward. More hints have extra features such as teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best as they are durable and more resistant to wear. It is important to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, since they can cause children to drown.
A cot-bed is a bigger version of a cot with a removable side and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your child grows out of it. This feature is especially useful when you are planning to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to switch between different types of beds and saves money by not buying separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to about two years old, depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop side is ideal if you suffer from back pain as it means that you aren't bending over the side as much. Back pain is a common issue for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially when they've had back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without having to lift them or worry about your back. You must make sure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to avoid your child from climbing out.
If you are unsure about the best cot for your needs We suggest contact Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can assist you in finding an elegant, safe cot that grows with your child, meeting 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. The mother tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct - extremely clear instructions with photos". best rated cribs comes with teething rail, a drawer for storage and three different mattress height positions.
The cot is an excellent option for babies who are able to sleep all the night. Make sure that the slats of the cot's frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot is certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models, and this led to dangerous designs being outlawed in the USA. Choose a cot that automatically locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your child from being able to pull the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery might show blankets that are artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed near the baby must be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the risk of suffocation. 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 against them when they slumber during their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly sturdy, this minimalistic crib bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. It is also a great option for parents with ceilings that slope, since it comes with lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until four years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it doesn't get stuck in corners and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. By removing the bars, you can transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will make a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It is available in off-white and stylish green. It's a great option for parents who appreciate longevity, as it can be made into an infant bed by removing the sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child by removing the front rails. It is also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment, teething rails, and an ideal hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or you are looking for a design that will adapt to their needs, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds, allowing you to easily switch when your child is old enough to use them. Some come with built-in drawers for storage and some even come with a nappy changing station!
A cot with drawers is handy to keep everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets, and it helps in tidying up since you can store everything in the same location. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on the sides - perfect for teething infants!
If you're on a budget but still need a chic and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It's minimalist design that's slim and will fit well in most rooms. It takes an ordinary mattress for a cot and comes with three heights that can be adjusted to accommodate the growing baby. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along 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 function that can help with reflux or colic. Plus, it's available in lots of different colors so you can match it to other furniture in the nursery if you're going for a cohesive style.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect if you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight but within easy reach. The cots come with 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 design of your cot, you may be able to transform it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change, and some can even be converted into a junior bed when your child 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 ensure it will fit into the nursery before purchasing.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth to two years old and that will grow with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. The classic crib is simple in its design but offers plenty of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also a breeze to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed up by the expertise of international sleep experts. It's an investment, however, and may be out of budget for many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.