Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent babies from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's safety at all times. They often come in an unchanging size, and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed alongside the parents' bed, allowing them a view of their child as they sleep. These cots have fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing over them. But, once babies can crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and therefore they need to be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are circular in shape which can help save space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and safe space for your baby to sleep in. They are easily portable and typically have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
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 as these are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of toys and pillows as they could pose the risk of suffocation to young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of a cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, meaning it can be transformed into a toddler bed once your baby outgrows it. This feature is especially useful in the event that you're planning to have more than one child as it removes the need to switch between various kinds of furniture and helps save money by purchasing separate beds. Most cot beds can be used right from the moment your baby is born until the time he is about two years old, depending on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect for those suffering from back pain since it means that you do not have to bend over the side as much. This is important as back problems are one of the most frequent problems for new mothers and pregnant women, especially those who have had back injuries previously.
This type of cot allows your baby to be easily reached during the day without needing to worry about your back or lifting them. It is essential to ensure that there is at least 4cm between the base and the mattress to prevent your child from escaping.
If you're not sure which cot is right for your 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 and meet all safety standards that are required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for its ease to put together. Gina, a mum tester, said it was "a breeze to assemble - extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It also comes with a handy teething rails and drawers, plus three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is an excellent option for babies that sleep all at night. You should make sure that the slats on the cot's frame are properly secured and not too loose.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot is certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this led to unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Look for a model that automatically locks the drop side when in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent 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 fabric placed near babies should be tucked tightly to reduce the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be hung above the cot, as they could be strangulation hazards and babies can catch their heads on them when they slumber during their sleep.
best crib for newborn -bed that is minimalistic is a bargain however, it's extremely robust. It's suitable for babies up 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 sloped ceilings, as it comes with lockable castors that stop the cot from falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from birth until the child is four years old. It features a unique oval shape which ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through standard door frames. The cot can also be converted into a chic bench-style bed for a child who is older by taking the bars off.
A top-quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green, and will be the focal point of any nursery. It's a great choice for parents looking for a durable product. It can be turned into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides and then into a twin bed for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment, teething rails, and an excellent hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or you want a design that will evolve with your child, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the switch over easy when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Some include drawers built in for storage and others even come with a changing station included!
It's handy to have a cot that has drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins, and other things that your child loves. It is also easier to tidy it up by putting everything in one place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips along the sides - ideal for teething infants!
If you're looking to save money but still need a chic and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's simple and slimline aesthetic that'll work well in all rooms. It is compatible with the standard mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable base heights to accommodate the growing baby. It can be made into a toddler bed by taking out one of the side panels and there's a variety of furniture that can be used with it.
It's not easy to assemble (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built it's light and long-lasting. It also has an added benefit: a tilting function that can aid in treating reflux or colic. It's also available in a range of colors, meaning you can pair it with other nursery furnishings for a cohesive appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage is ideal. They come with an area to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the style of your cot, you may be able to convert it into a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for a change, and some can even transform into a junior bed after your child is five. This provides you with great value for money and will ensure that your cot will remain an integral part of your family for a long time to come, but be sure to verify the dimensions to ensure it's a good fit for your nursery before buying.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a fashionable cot that is suitable for babies up to two years old. It also grows with your child. The classic cot features an easy design, but it has numerous features, including an under-bed drawer for storage as well as a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. It's also easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a high-tech solution to better sleep is a cot bassinet, and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed up with expert advice from international sleep experts. It's an investment, however it may be priced out of the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.