Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect babies from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots come with four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's security throughout the day. They often come in the fixed size and could be converted to a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be placed on top of the parents' bed, giving them to view their child while they sleep. The cots are designed with fixed sides to stop babies from stepping over them. But once infants can crawl and stand up, these sides can become dangerous and should be removed to prevent your child from falling out of their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner, which helps save space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and offer a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are easy to transport and usually come with castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
Some cots come with extra features, like drawers or teething rails, but many are simple and basic. The best cots are made of natural materials because they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of toys and pillows as these can pose a risk of suffocation for children who are still young.
A cot-bed is a bigger version of a cot with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers when your baby grows out of it. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that you're planning to have more than one child as it will eliminate the necessity of switching between different types of furniture and saves money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth to about two years of age dependent on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back discomfort, a cot that has a drop-side is the best option. It won't require you to bend over the side. Back back pain is a common occurrence for pregnant women and new mothers, especially those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot also allows your baby to be easily reached during the day without needing to worry about your back or lifting them. However, you need to ensure that the gap between the base of the cot and the mattress is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child won't be able to get out.
If you're not sure which cot is right for your needs we suggest calling Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you find 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 received high marks for its ease of assembly. Gina, a mum tester has said that it was "a easy assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It also comes with a practical teething rails and drawers, and three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot is an excellent option for babies who sleep all night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats have been fixed properly and not too loose.
Verify that the cot is certified as meeting British safety standards. Prior to 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. Look for a model that auto locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents 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 material placed near the baby should be secured tightly to reduce the risk of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot as they can strangle infants or cause them to crash their heads as they move around in their sleep.
crib sets -bed is a bargain, but it's surprisingly robust. It's suitable for babies up to toddlers. It can be transformed to a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's an ideal choice for parents with sloped ceilings, as it comes with lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until four years old. It features a unique oval shape which means it won't get stuck in corners and can easily pass through standard door frames. The cot can also be transformed into a chic bench-style bed for an older child by simply taking the bars off.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will create an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in stylish green and off-white. It's a great option for parents who value longevity, as it can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and turning into a twin bed for older children by cutting off the front rails. It's also incredibly robust and includes a storage drawer as well as teething rails, as well as an easy hanging rail to hang blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or you need a design that can grow with them There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the transition over easy when your little one outgrows it. Some include drawers built in to store things in and some include a changing station included!
cheap cot beds with drawers is great for keeping all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths or blankets, and it can also make tidying up easier since you can store everything in one place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips along the sides, which are great for infants who are teething!
If you're on a tight budget but still want a stylish and practical cot, the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. Its slimline and simple design can be incorporated in any room. It is compatible with an ordinary mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable base heights to accommodate the growing baby. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to construct (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions were not clear), once it's constructed it's lightweight and strong. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting feature which can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a range of colors, so you can match it with other nursery furnishings for a cohesive look.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from sight, but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage is ideal. They usually have a drawer that can store lots of essentials and some come with hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets and teething rails to guard the sides of the cot from your child's chewing urges.
Based on the style of your cot, you may be able to transform it into an infant bed or a day bed when your child is ready for a change and some be converted into a junior bed after your child turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for many years. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a stylish cot that can be used for babies up to two years old. It also grows with your child. This classic cot has an unassuming design, however it has many features such as an under-bed drawer for storage and a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. It's also easy to assemble with alphabetically labelled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a high-tech solution for a better sleep is a cot moses basket, and bassinet in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's an investment, however it could be beyond the budget of many families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.