Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent babies from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and cot. They shouldn't have protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots come with four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's security throughout the day. A lot of cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be converted into a toddler bed if your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed alongside the parents' bed, allowing them a view of their child as they lay down. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that prevent infants from climbing over the sides. But, once babies can crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and must be removed to prevent your child from falling out of their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots have a circular shape that helps to save space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a comfortable and safe place for your child to sleep. They are easily portable and usually have wheels or castors so you can move them around.
Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some come with extra features, like teething rails or storage drawers. The most durable cots are constructed from natural materials since they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, since they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot that has removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be turned into a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you are expecting to have more than one child since it eliminates the necessity of switching between different types of furniture and saves money on buying separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to about two years old dependent on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with a drop-side is ideal for those suffering from back pain as it means that you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is important since back problems are one of the most frequent problems for pregnant women and new parents particularly those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows your baby to be reached more easily during the day without having to worry about your back or lifting them. You must make sure that there is a minimum of 4cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from climbing out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure about which the best cot for your needs. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can assist you in finding a safe, stylish cot that grows with your child, meeting all safety standards required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It scored high marks for its ease of assembly. Gina mother tester said it was "a simple assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It includes a teething rail, a drawer for storage and 3 different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot's durability and solid structure makes it an excellent option for babies who sleep through the night. But make sure whether the cot is constructed from a safe material like solid wood and that the slats are fixed correctly and not loosened.
Check to see if the cot has been certified to be in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models and this resulted in the USA banning some unsafe designs. Find a cot that auto locks the drop side when in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which will prevent your baby from pulling the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any fabric placed close to a baby should be tucked tightly to reduce the risk of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging above the cot, since they can be strangulating and infants could catch their heads on them if they slumber during their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a low-cost option but it's actually quite robust. It's suitable for infants to toddlers. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a great option for parents with ceilings that slope because it comes with castors that lock to prevent the cot from slipping down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed is used from birth until 4 years old. It features an unusual oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and can easily fit through standard door frames. The cot can also be converted into a stylish bench bed for an older child by simply removing the bars.
This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that will create an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in off-white and stylish green. It's a great option for parents who value durability, since it can be transformed 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 incredibly robust and comes with storage drawers and teething rails as well as a handy hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are numerous options on the market, whether you need extra storage space for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that will expand with them. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the transition over simple when your child is no longer in the habit of using it, while others come with built-in drawers for storage and others even have a changing area included!
A cot with drawers is great to store all your little one's favourite toys, muslin towels or blankets, and it helps in tidying up because you can put everything in the same location. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips along the sides - great for teething babies!
If you're on a tight budget but still require a stylish and practical cot, the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll work well in all rooms. It can be used in conjunction with an ordinary cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base to increase along with your child. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are matching cots offers to go along with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to build (one of our testers noted that the instructions weren't clear), once it's constructed it's lightweight and strong. It has an additional feature: a tilting feature which can aid with colic and reflux. Additionally, it's available in a variety of colors so you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery if you're going for an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you want your baby's toys and bedding away from sight but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage will be ideal. They come with drawers to store the essentials. Some also come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
You may be able convert your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can become a junior bed after your baby turns 5. This provides you with the best value for money and will ensure that your cot will remain part of the family for many years to come, but make sure to verify the dimensions to make sure it will fit into your nursery before buying.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth until two years and will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has an easy design, but it offers many features like an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also a breeze to assemble with alphabetically labelled components and excellent instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a high-tech solution to get a better night's sleep it's a cot, moses basket, and bassinet in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed up by the expertise of international sleep consultants. It's an investment, though it may be priced out of the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.