Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots stop children from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They shouldn't have protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots have four secure sides, so you can be sure your baby is safe throughout the day. A lot of cots are available in a fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed if your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for small nursery settings and can be easily placed on top of parents' beds and allow parents to keep an eye on their child while they rest. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that prevent children from climbing over the sides. Once your baby is able to stand and crawl on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
see more are generally 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 easy to move between spaces and are often on wheels or castors to enable you to move them easily.
Many cots are simple and basic. Some have additional features like teething rails or storage drawers. Natural materials are the best as they are durable 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 bigger version of a cot with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is particularly useful in the event that you plan to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to switch between different types of beds and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. Most cot beds can be used from birth until your infant is about two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with a drop-side is ideal if you suffer from back pain as it means you aren't bending over the side as much. Back back pain is a common occurrence for pregnant women and newly mothers, particularly if they have had back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without having to lift them or worry about your back. However, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm so that your child can't get out.
If you are unsure about which cot is best for your needs, we recommend getting in touch with us at Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can help you choose the most secure, stylish cot that will grow with your child, meeting all safety standards that are required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being easy to put together. Gina, a mum tester, said it was "a easy assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". It also comes with a useful teething rails and drawers, plus three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot's durability and solid structure makes it an excellent choice for babies who do not sleep through the night. But make sure whether the cot is constructed of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats are secured properly and not too loose.
Verify that the cot has been certified as meeting British safety regulations. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models which resulted in the USA banning some unsafe designs. Find a cot that automatically locks the drop side when in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your child from being able to pull the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
While styled nursery photos may show blankets artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics that are placed near the baby should be tucked in tightly to avoid the danger of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the cot since they can strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly sturdy, this minimalistic cot bed is suitable from birth until toddler age. It comes with a wide variety of mattress base positions and can easily be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a good option for parents who have ceilings that slope because it comes with castors that can be locked to stop the cot from falling.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed can be used from birth until four years old. It features a unique oval shape which ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and will easily fit through standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can convert the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that will create an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in off-white and stylish green. It's a great choice for parents who are seeking a durable item. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and has a storage area as well as 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 clothing or bedding, or are looking for a design that will evolve with your child There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the transition over easy when your child outgrows it, while others come with built-in drawers for storage, and some include a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins or other things that your child enjoys. It is also easier to tidy up, as everything is in one place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
If you're on a budget but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. Its slim and simple design will fit in the majority of rooms. It can be used with a standard cot and has three adjustable heights for the base to increase with your child. It can be made into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. There are furniture pieces that be used with it.
Although it's not easy to construct (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, it's lightweight and strong. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function which can aid with colic and reflux. It's also available in a range of colors, meaning you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery if you want a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you want your baby's toys and bedding away from view but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage will be ideal. The majority of cots have a handy drawer where you can put away a lot of your essentials and some even have hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets as well as teething rails to guard the cot sides from teething inclinations.
You might be able to transform your cot into 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 option to save money and make your cot a part of the family for many years. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a chic cot which can be used for infants from 2 to 2 years old. It will also grow with your child. The classic cot is simple in design but offers plenty of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to assemble with alphabetically labelled components and excellent instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by the expertise of international sleep consultants. It's an investment, though, and may be beyond the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.