Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep infants from getting out of bed or dying when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots are designed with four secure sides to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. A lot of cots are available in fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed alongside the parents' bed, giving parents to see their child while they sleep. These cots have fixed sides to prevent infants from stepping over them. Once your baby is capable of standing and crawling on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are typically circular in shape to 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 are easy to move between rooms and are usually mounted on wheels or on castors to allow you to move them around easily.
Some cots have extra features, like teething rails or drawers however, many are basic and basic. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials because they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot-bed is a bigger version than a cot, with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you are expecting to have more than one child since it eliminates the need to switch between various kinds of furniture, and also saves money on separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth to around two years of age dependent on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the ideal alternative. You won't need to bend over the side. This is important since back problems are one of the most frequent problems for pregnant women and new parents, especially those who have previously hurt their backs.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without lifting them or be concerned about your back. It is important to make sure that there is at least 4cm between the base and the mattress to avoid your child from escaping.
If you're not sure which cot is right for your child's needs we suggest getting in touch with Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you find a safe, stylish cot that can grow with your child, meeting all safety standards that are required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for its ease to put together. Gina mom test-sitting, said it was "a easy assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It also comes with a practical teething rails and drawers, plus 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is a good option for babies who sleep all at night. You should make sure that the slats of the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot has been inspected as being in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this led to unsafe designs being prohibited in the USA. Look for a model with an auto-locking side for the drop in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to pull the side down in order to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed near babies should be tucked tightly to avoid the risk of the baby suffocating. 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 roll over during their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's sturdy, this minimalistic crib bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. cot beds for sale has a wide range of mattress bases and can be easily transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great choice for parents who have ceilings that slope, since it has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
This cot bed made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that can be easily converted. It can be used by children as young as up to age 4. It has an unusual oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and will easily pass through standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can convert the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that will create an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in off-white and stylish green. It is a great choice for parents who are looking for a long-lasting product. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing its sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely sturdy and comes with a storage compartment, teething rails, and an excellent hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or you need a design that can evolve with your child, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the transition to a toddler bed easy once your child is no longer in the habit of using it, while others have built in drawers for storage, and some have a changing area included!
A cot with drawers is handy to store all your child's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets. It also makes tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one place. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite strips of plastic on the side too - perfect for babies who are teething!
If you're looking to save money but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. Its slim and minimalist design will work in any room. It can be used with an ordinary crib mattress and has three adjustable base heights to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that be used with it.
It's not easy to put together (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built it's light and durable. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting function which can help with colic or reflux. Additionally, it's available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to other furniture in the nursery if you're going for an aesthetically pleasing look.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal when you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view but still within reach. They 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.
It is possible to transform your cot into daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can transform into a junior bed when your child reaches five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a part of the family for a long time. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a chic cot which can be used for infants from 2 to 2 years old. It will also grow with your child. The classic cot features an unassuming design, however it has many features such as an under-bed drawer for storage, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed up with expert advice from international sleep consultants. It's an investment, however it could be out of budget for many families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.