Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep babies from getting out of bed or dying when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. Many cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be placed on top of the parents' bed, allowing them to view their baby while they sleep. They are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that stop children from climbing over the sides. Once your baby is able to stand and crawl, these sides are a safety risk and should be removed.
Cots are typically circular in shape to help reduce space and are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are portable and typically come with castors or wheels so you can move them around.
A lot of cots are simple and basic. Some have additional features, like teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best as they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of any stuffed pillows or animals, as they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of the cot which has removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be turned into a toddler bed after your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly useful in the event that you're planning to have more than one child as it removes the necessity of switching between different types of furniture and saves money by purchasing separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to about two years old, depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best alternative. It won't require you to bend as much over the side. This is important as back problems are one of the most frequent problems for new mothers and pregnant women especially those who suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot also means that your baby can be reached more easily throughout the day without needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. But, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm in order that your child isn't able to climb out.
If you're unsure the best cot for your child's needs, we recommend calling us at Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you choose an attractive and safe cot that will grow along with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top choice. It was praised for its ease of assembly. The mother tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions and pictures". It also comes with a useful teething rails and drawers, and 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy structure makes it an excellent option for babies who can sleep all night. But you should check that the cot is made from a safe material like solid wood, and that the slats are fixed correctly and not loosened.
Check to see if the cot is certified to be in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models and this led to the USA ban on certain unsafe designs. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side that locks in the upward position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able lower the side to climb out.
cheap cot beds , an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any fabric placed near the baby should be secured tightly to reduce the possibility of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging above the cot as they can be strangulating and children could get their heads against them when they roll over during their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a budget buy, but it's surprisingly sturdy. It's suitable for babies all the way to toddlers. It offers a variety of mattress positions and is easily converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It's also a good option for parents with sloped ceilings since it has castors that lock to prevent the cot from falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until four years old. It features an unusual oval shape that means it won't get stuck in corners and can easily pass through standard door frames. By removing the bars it is possible to transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
A high-quality piece that's an excellent investment, this curved cot bed is available in either off-white or stylish green, and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's a great choice for parents who value longevity, as it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides, and then into a twin bed for a child who is older by taking out the front rails. It's also extremely sturdy and includes a storage compartment as well as teething rails and a handy hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you want additional storage space for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that could expand with them. Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds so that you can easily switch when your child is old enough to use them. Some come with built-in drawers for storage and some have a changing station!
It's handy to have a cot that has drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins, or other items that your child enjoys. It is also easier to tidy up, as everything is all in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips on the sides - ideal for infants who are teething!
If you're on a tight budget but still need a chic and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. Best cot for newborn has a minimalist design that's slim and will fit well in most rooms. It takes an ordinary crib mattress and has three heights that can be adjusted to grow with your baby. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that be used with it.
It can be difficult to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions were unclear) however, once built it's light and durable. It also has a unique feature: a tilting feature that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. Plus, it's available in a variety of colors so you can match it with other nursery furniture in the event that you want an aesthetically pleasing style.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is ideal when you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight but within easy reach. The cots come with drawers to store the essentials. Some come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the style of your cot you might be able to transform it into a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for a change and some turn into a junior bed once your child turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for many years. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to two years old and that will grow with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. The classic crib is simple in its design but offers plenty of features, including an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. It's also a breeze to assemble with alphabetically labelled components and excellent instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from international consultants. It's an investment, however it may be priced out of the budget of many families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.