Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep babies from getting out of bed, or suffocating in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots come with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. They usually come in the fixed size and could be converted to a toddler bed when your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed alongside the parents' bed, giving them a view of their child as they rest. These cots are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that stop infants from climbing over the sides. However, once babies can crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous and must be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.
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 can be easily moved between spaces and are often on wheels or castors that enable you to move them with ease.
A lot of 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 kept free of any toys or pillows since they can create danger of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot which includes removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be converted into a toddler bed once your child is no longer using it. This feature is especially useful if you are expecting to have more than one child since it removes the need to switch between different kinds of furniture and helps save money on buying separate beds. The majority of cribs can be used right from the moment your baby is born until the time he is two years old, depending on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the ideal option. You won't have to bend as much over the side. This is crucial as back pain is one of the most frequent problems for pregnant women and new parents especially those who suffered back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot lets you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without having to lift them or be concerned about your back. However, you need to make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the cot is at least 4cm so that your child won't be able to get out.
If you're unsure which cot is best for your child's needs, we recommend contact Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. Best cot for newborn can help you choose an elegant, safe cot that will grow with your child and meet all safety standards that are required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for being simple to construct. Mum tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct - very clear instructions with pictures". It includes teething rails as well as a drawer to store things in and 3 different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot is a good option for babies who sleep all night. But make sure whether the cot is constructed from a safe material like solid wood, and that the slats are secured properly and not too loose.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot has been inspected as being in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models, which led to the USA ban on certain dangerous designs. Choose a cot that automatically locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your baby from being able to pull the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
While styled nursery photos may show blankets artistically draped around 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 should be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the cot as they can strangle babies or cause them to fall on their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. It's also a good choice for parents who have ceilings that slope since it has castors that can be locked to stop the cot from falling.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from birth until four years old. It has an unique oval shape that ensures it doesn'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 fashionable bed for older children.
A quality piece that's an excellent investment This curved cot bed is available in off-white or stylish green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents who are looking for a long-lasting product. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides, or into a twin bed for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment, teething rails, and an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you want a design that will grow with them There are plenty of options on the market. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the change over easy when your little one outgrows it. Other cots have built in drawers for storage and others even have a changing area included!
It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, or other items that your child loves. It also makes it easier to tidy it up by putting everything all in one place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on the sides - ideal for teething infants!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget but still want a chic, practical cot. Its slimline and simple design will fit in any room. It can be used with a standard cot bed and comes with three heights adjustable for the base to increase with your child. It can be transformed into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels and there's a range of matching furniture to go with it.
Although it can be tricky to construct (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions weren't clear) Once it's assembled, it's lightweight and strong. It has an additional feature: a tilting feature that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. Additionally, it's available in lots of different colors so you can pair it with other nursery furniture if you're going for an aesthetically pleasing style.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect for those who want to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view but within easy reach. They come with an area 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 convert it into a toddler bed or day bed when your child is ready for a change or turn into a junior bed once your child is five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a family member for a long time. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a chic cot that can be used for infants from 2 to 2 years old. It can also grow with your child. cheap cot beds features a simple design, but it offers many features like an under-bed drawer for storage and a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed up with expert advice from international sleep consultants. The investment is high and might not be within the budget of a lot of families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.