Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent children from falling out of their beds or dying if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have four solid sides, which means you can rest assured that your baby is safe throughout the day. best rated cribs of cots are available in a fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are perfect for small nursery settings and can be easily installed alongside the beds of parents which allows parents to watch their baby whilst they rest. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over them. But once infants can crawl and stand up, these sides can become dangerous and must be removed to prevent your child from falling off of the bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are generally circular in shape to help reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are easily portable and usually have wheels or castors so you can move them around.
Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some come with extra features like teething rails or drawers for storage. The best cots are made from natural materials since they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, as they can cause children to drown.
A cot-bed is a larger version than a cot, with a removable side and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child grows out of it. This feature is especially useful if you expect to have more than one baby since it makes it easier to switch between different types and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth until around two years of age depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect for those who suffer from back pain as it means that you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is important since back problems are one of the most common issues among pregnant women and new parents especially those who had back injuries previously.
This type of cot means that your baby will be reached more easily throughout the day without needing to worry about your back or lifting them. However, you need to make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the cot is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child isn't able to climb out.
If you're not sure which cot is best for your needs We suggest contact us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can discuss your options. We can help you choose a safe, stylish cot that grows with your child and meet all safety standards that are required by law.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being easy to construct. Gina, a mum tester has said that it was "a simple assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". good cribs comes with a practical drawer and teething rails as well as three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot is a good option for babies that sleep all at night. However, you must ensure that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats are secured correctly and not loosened.
Check to see if the cot has been certified as meeting British safety regulations. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this has led to some unsafe designs being prohibited in the USA. Find a cot that locks automatically the drop side when it is in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your child from being able to pull the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics that are placed near the baby must be tucked in tightly to reduce the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the crib as they can strangle babies or cause them to hit their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain but it's actually quite durable. It's suitable for infants all the way to toddlers. It has a wide range of mattress bases and can easily be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It is also a great choice for parents who have ceilings that slope, since it is equipped with lockable castors to prevent the cot falling down.
This cot bed made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that is easily transformed. It can be used by children from birth to age 4. Its unique oval shape means that it won't get caught in corners and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. The cot can also be transformed into a stylish bench bed for an older child by removing the bars.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that can be an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in a 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 removing the sides and into a twin bed for older children by cutting off the front rails. It is also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment with teething rails as well as an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of 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 change over easy when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Some include drawers built in for storage, and some include a changing station included!
A cot with drawers is great to keep all your little one's favourite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets in, and it helps in tidying up as you can keep everything in the same place. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips along the sides, which are great for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It has a minimalist design that's slim and will fit well in most rooms. It can be used with the standard crib mattress and has three adjustable base heights to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be made into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a variety of matching furniture with it.
Although it's not easy to build (one of our testers noted that the instructions weren't clear) Once it's assembled, it's lightweight and strong. It has an additional feature: a tilting function that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's also available in a range of colors, so you can match it with other nursery furnishings to create a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect for those who want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight but within easy reach. These cots usually feature a handy drawer where you can keep a variety of items, and some have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets as well as a teething rail to protect the cot sides from your little one's teething inclinations.
It is possible to convert your cot into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to transform into a junior bed when your baby turns 5. This provides you with great value for money and will ensure that your cot will be a part of the family for a long time to come, but make sure to verify the dimensions to make sure it's a good fit for your nursery prior to purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a chic cot that can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It can also grow with your child. This classic cot is simple in design but offers plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed up with expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. The investment is high and may not be within the budget of some families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.