Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent children from getting out of bed or dying when they fall into the 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 baby is safe throughout the day. They often come in an unchanging size, and can be converted to a toddler bed as your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for small nurseries and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds which allows parents to watch their child as they rest. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides to prevent children from climbing over the sides. Once your baby is capable of standing and crawling on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner that helps to save space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure space 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.
Some cots come with extra features like drawers with teething rails or teething rails but most are basic. Natural materials are the best because they are durable and resistant to wear. They should be kept free of stuffed toys or pillows since they can create danger of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of a cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel. This means it can be turned into a toddler bed after your child has outgrown it. This feature is particularly useful if you expect to have more than one baby because it means you don't have to change between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. Most cot beds can be used right from birth until your infant is two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect for those suffering from back pain because it means that you do not have to bend over the side as much. This is important as back pain is one of the most common issues among new mothers and pregnant women, especially those who have had back injuries previously.
This kind of cot means that your baby can be reached more easily during the day without you having to be concerned about your back or lifting them. It is important to ensure that there is at least 4 cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from escaping.
If you are unsure about which cot is best for your needs we suggest calling Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you choose an elegant, safe cot that grows with your child, meeting all safety standards required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for its ease to construct. Gina mom test-sitting, said it was "a simple assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". It also comes with a handy teething rails and drawers, plus three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot's durability and solid construction makes it a great option for babies that do not sleep through the night. Make sure that the slats on the cot's frame are properly secured and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot is certified to be in compliance with British safety regulations. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this has led to dangerous designs being banned in the USA. Choose 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 get out.
Corner Cots
While photos of styled nursery pictures might show blankets that are artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, all fabrics that are placed near the baby should be pulled into a tight swaddle to avoid the risk of being suffocated. affordable cots advises that curtains or blinds should not be hung above the cot, since they could be strangulation hazards and children could get their heads on them if they slumber during their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's sturdy, this minimalistic cot bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It's also a good choice for parents who have ceilings that slope as it has lockable castors to prevent the cot from slipping down.
best crib that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until 4 years old. It features an unique oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a chic bench-style bed for a child who is older by simply removing the bars.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will make an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in a stylish green and off-white. It's a great option for parents who value longevity, since it can be made into a toddler bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for a child who is older by cutting off the front rails. It's also extremely sturdy and includes a storage compartment, teething rails, and a handy hanger 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 convert to toddler beds, making the switch over simple when your child outgrows it, while others include drawers built in for storage and others even come with a changing station included!
A cot with drawers is great to store all your little one's favourite toys, muslin towels or blankets, and it can also make tidying up easier because you can put everything in one location. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips along the sides - great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget but still want a stylish, practical cot. It's slimline and simple design will fit in the majority of rooms. It can be used with a standard cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base to increase along with your child. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a selection of matching furniture to go with it.
Although it's not easy to construct (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, it's lightweight and strong. It also has an added benefit: a tilting feature which can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can match it with other furniture in the nursery if you want a coordinated appearance.
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 within easy reach. These cots have drawers to store the essentials. Some also come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the design of your cot you might be able to convert it into a toddler bed or day bed when your child is ready for a change and some turn into a junior bed when your child turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for a long time. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and that will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. The classic cot features an unassuming design, however it comes with numerous features, including an under-bed drawer to store items as well as a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple 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 in one. It is set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from international experts. It's an investment, however it may be beyond the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.