Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect infants from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have four solid sides, which means you can be certain that your child is secure at all times. A lot of cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be made into a toddler bed if your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for small nursery settings and can be easily placed on top of parents' beds, allowing them to watch their child as they sleep. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing over them. When your baby is able to stand and crawl on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are typically circular in shape to help save space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and offer a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They can be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors to allow you to move them easily.
Some cots come with extra features such as drawers or teething rails, but many are simple and basic. Natural materials are the best as they are durable and resistant to wear. They should be kept free of any toys or pillows as these can pose danger of suffocation for young children.
A cot-bed is a bigger version of a cot with a removable side and end panels. It can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is especially useful in the event that you plan to have more than one child since it makes it easier to change between different types and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot-beds are suitable from birth to about two years of age dependent on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop-side is ideal if you suffer from back pain since it means you aren't bending over the side as much. Back back pain is a common occurrence for women who are pregnant and new mothers, particularly if they have had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without having to lift them or worry about your back. You must ensure that there is a minimum of 4 cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from climbing out.
If you're not sure the best cot for your child's needs, we recommend contact Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you find a safe, stylish cot that will grow with your child, and meet 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 mother tester has said that it was "a simple assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails, plus 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is an excellent option for babies that sleep all at night. You should make sure that the cot's slats and frame are properly secured and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot has been 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 some unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Find a cot that locks automatically 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
While styled nursery photos may show blankets adorably draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed near the baby should be pulled into a tight swaddle to avoid the possibility of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be hung above the cot, since they could be strangulation hazards and babies can catch their heads on them if they roll over during their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's robust, this minimalist crib bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It offers a variety of mattress positions and is easily converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great option for parents who have ceilings that slope as it has castors that lock to prevent the cot from slipping down.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until four years old. It has a unique oval shape which means it won't get stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can convert the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
A top-quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot bed is available in either off-white or fashionable green and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's an excellent option for parents who appreciate longevity, as it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and turning into a twin bed for an older child by removing the front rails. It's also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment as well as teething rails and a handy hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that will adapt to their needs. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the switch over simple when your child is no longer in the habit of using it, while others include drawers built in to store things in and some include a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins or other things that your child loves. It also makes it easier to tidy up, as everything is in one place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips along the sides - ideal for teething infants!
If you're on a tight budget but still need a chic and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It has a minimalist and sleek design that will work well in all rooms. It takes an ordinary mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable base heights to grow with your baby. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by cutting off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along with it.
Although nursery cots 's not easy to construct (one of our testers noted that the instructions weren't clear) Once it's assembled, it's lightweight and strong. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. 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
If you wish to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from sight however, they are still within reach, a cot that has storage is ideal. They come with an area to store the essentials. Some also come with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.
You may be able convert your cot into a daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to transform into a junior bed when your child reaches five. This gives you an excellent value for money and ensures that your cot will be a part of the family for a long time to come, but be sure to verify the dimensions to ensure it's a good fit for the nursery before purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a stylish cot which can be used for babies up to two years old. It can also grow with your child. This classic cot has an unassuming design, however it has many features like an under-bed drawer for storage, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to get a better night's sleep it's a cot, bassinet, and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and includes expert advice from international experts. The investment is high and may not be within the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.