Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent babies from falling out of their beds or becoming suffocated when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They shouldn't have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four secure sides to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. Many cots come in fixed-size and can be transformed into a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed alongside the parents' bed, giving them to view their child while they sleep. These cots 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 over the sides, they pose dangerous and should be removed.
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 provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between spaces and are often mounted on wheels or on castors to enable you to move them with ease.
Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some have extra features like teething rails or drawers for storage. The most durable cots are constructed from natural materials since they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of any toys or pillows as these can pose a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot-bed is a larger version than a cot, with removable sides and end panels. It can be converted into a toddler's bed once your baby grows out of it. This feature is especially useful when you plan to have more than one child as it removes the need to switch between different types of furniture and saves money on buying separate beds. Full Statement -beds can be used from birth to about two years old dependent on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you are suffering from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the ideal alternative. It won't require you to bend as much over the side. This is important since back problems are one of the most common issues among new mothers and pregnant women especially those who previously hurt their backs.
This type of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without lifting them or worry about your back. However, you need to make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child isn't able to climb out.
If you are unsure about which cot is best for your child's needs We suggest contact Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you choose the most stylish and safe cot that can develop with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for its ease to put together. Mum tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct - extremely clear instructions with photos". It comes with teething rail and a drawer for storage and three different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot is a great option for babies who are able to sleep all night. However, you must ensure whether the cot is constructed of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats are secured in a proper manner and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot has been certified to meet British safety regulations. Before 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models which resulted in the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Choose a cot that automatically locks the drop side when in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your baby from pulling the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any fabric placed close to babies should be tucked tightly to prevent the risk of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be left hanging over the cot, as they can be strangulating and children could get their heads against them when they slumber during their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain however, it's extremely sturdy. It's suitable for babies all the way to toddlers. It has a wide range of mattress base positions and can be easily transformed 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 slipping down.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that can be easily transformed. It can be used by children from birth until age 4. It has a unique oval shape which means it won't get stuck in corners and is able to easily pass through standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can convert the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will make a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in off-white and stylish green. It's a top option for parents who appreciate longevity, as it can be made into a toddler bed by removing the sides and into a twin bed for an older child by taking out the front rails. It's also extremely durable and comes with storage drawers as well as teething rails, as well as an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or want a design that will grow with them There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the transition over easy when your little one outgrows it, while others include drawers built in to store things in and some have a changing area included!
It's handy to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins, or other items that your child enjoys. It also makes it easier to tidy it up, as everything is all in one spot. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips on the sides - great for teething babies!
If you're on a tight budget but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. Its slim and simple design will fit in the majority of rooms. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot bed and comes with three heights adjustable for the base to increase with your child. It can be made into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a range of matching furniture to go with it.
Although it's not easy to construct (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions weren't clear), once it's constructed it is lightweight and sturdy. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting function which can help with reflux or colic. Plus, it's available in lots of different colours too so you can match it to other nursery furniture in the event that you want a cohesive style.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage is ideal. They usually have a drawer that can keep a variety of items and some even have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets, as well as teething rails to guard the cot sides from your little one's teething inclinations.
You may be able convert your cot into a daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can even be converted into a junior bed once your child reaches 5. This is a 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 check the dimensions to make sure it's a good fit for your nursery prior to purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a stylish cot that is suitable for babies up to two years old. It will also grow with your child. This classic cot is simple in design, but it comes with a variety of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed with expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. The investment is high and may not be within the budget of a lot of families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.