Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent infants from falling out of bed or becoming suffocated when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They shouldn't have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. They are usually of a fixed size and may be converted into a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily placed on top of the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their baby while they sleep. These cots are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing on the sides. But, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and therefore they need to be removed to stop your child from falling out of their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are typically circular in shape to reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and offer a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between spaces and are often on wheels or castors to enable you to move them with ease.
Some cots come with extra features like teething rails or drawers but most are basic. The best cots are made of natural materials as these are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of stuffed pillows or animals, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot that includes removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be turned into a toddler bed when your child has outgrown it. This feature is especially useful in the event that you plan to have more than one child because it means you don't have to change between different types and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. Most cot beds can be used right from birth until your infant is around two years old, depending on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
If you are suffering from back pain, a cot with a drop-side is the best option. It won't require you to bend as much over the side. This is crucial as back problems are one of the most frequent problems for pregnant women and new parents particularly those who have previously hurt their backs.
This type of cot allows your baby to be easily reached during the day without you needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. However, you need to make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child won't be able to climb out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if you aren't sure which cot will best suit your requirements. We can discuss your options. We can assist you in finding a safe, stylish cot that will grow with your child, and meet all safety standards required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top choice. It received high marks for its easy assembly. Gina, a mum tester, said it was "a easy assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It also comes with a practical drawer and teething rails, and three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot is a good option for babies that sleep all the night. However, you must ensure whether the cot is constructed from a sanitized material such as solid wood, and that the slats are fixed properly and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot has been inspected as being in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models which resulted in the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Choose a cot that automatically locks the drop side when in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your baby from pulling the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed near the baby should be secured tightly to avoid the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging over the cot, since they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads on them when they roll over in their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It offers a variety of mattress base positions and can be easily converted into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It is also a great choice for parents who have sloped ceilings, as it has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until 4 years old. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it will not get caught in corners, and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. By removing Baby beds is possible to transform the cot into a chic bed for older children.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will make an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in stylish green and off-white. It is a great choice for parents who are looking for a durable product. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing its sides, and into a twin for an older child when the front rails are removed. It is also extremely durable and has a storage area, teething rails, and a handy hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you need extra storage for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that can expand with them. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the transition to a toddler bed easy once your little one outgrows it, while others have built in drawers to store things in and some have a changing area included!
A cot with drawers is handy to store all your little one's favourite toys, muslin towels or blankets. It helps in tidying up as you can keep everything in the same space. Many of these cots have anti-bite strips of plastic on the sides - great for teething babies!
If you're on a budget but still require a stylish and practical cot, the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. Its slim and minimalist design will work in most rooms. It can be used with an ordinary cot bed and comes with three heights adjustable for the base to grow with your child. It can be made into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels and there's a selection of matching furniture with it.
It's not easy to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built it's light and long-lasting. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function which can aid with reflux and colic. Additionally, it's available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with other nursery furniture to create a cohesive look.
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 is ideal. The cots come with drawers to store the essentials. Some come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
It is possible to transform your cot into daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to be converted into a junior bed once your child turns 5. This gives you an excellent value for money and guarantees that your cot will be part of the family for a long time to come, but make certain to look at the dimensions to make sure it's a good fit for the nursery before purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a chic cot which can be used for babies up to two years old. It also grows with your child. This classic crib is simple in its design, but it comes with a variety of features including an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a high-tech solution to better sleep, is a cot, moses basket, and bassinet in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from international consultants. It's an investment, though, and may be priced out of the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.