Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop babies from falling out of their beds, or suffocating if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four solid sides, which means you can be sure your baby is safe at all times. They are usually of a fixed size and may be converted to a toddler bed as your child grows up.
best rated cribs are ideal for small nurseries and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds and allow parents to watch their child while they rest. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over them. When your baby is able to stand and crawl on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are generally circular to help reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and safe space for your baby to sleep in. They are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors that enable you to move them with ease.
Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some have extra features, like teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of toys and pillows as these can pose a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a larger version of a cot that has removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be converted into a toddler bed when your child has outgrown it. This feature is particularly useful if you expect to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to change between different types and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth to around two years old dependent on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with a drop side is ideal if you suffer from back pain since it means that you aren't bending over the side as much. This is important as back pain is one of the most frequent problems for new mothers and pregnant women particularly those who have had back injuries previously.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or worry about your back. It is essential to make sure that there is at least 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to stop your child from climbing out.
If you're unsure the best cot for your needs, we recommend getting in touch with us at Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you select a stylish and safe cot that can develop with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being simple to put together. Gina mother tester has said that it was "a breeze to assemble - clearly and with illustrations". It comes with teething rails and a drawer for storage and three different mattress height positions.
The cot is a good option for babies who are able to sleep all night. Make sure that the cot's slats and frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Verify that the cot is certified to be in compliance with British safety standards. Before good cribs , US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this led to dangerous designs being outlawed in the USA. Look for a model with an auto-locking drop side in the upward position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any fabric placed close to the baby should be secured tightly to avoid the risk of the baby suffocating. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the cot since they can strangle infants or cause them to fall on their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this minimalist crib bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing a side panel. It's also a great option for parents with sloped ceilings because it comes with castors that lock to prevent the cot from falling.
This cot bed made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that can be easily converted. It can be used by children as young as to age 4. It has an unusual oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through standard door frames. By removing the bars you can convert the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that will create an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in off-white and stylish green. It's a great option for parents who value durability, since it can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for older children by taking out the front rails. It is also extremely durable and has a storage area, teething rails, and a handy hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are numerous options on the market, whether you want additional storage space for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that can grow with them. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the transition to a toddler bed easy once your child outgrows it. Other cots have built in drawers to store things in and some have a changing area included!
A cot with drawers is handy to keep all your child's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets. It also makes tidying up easier as you can keep everything in the same place. Many of these cots have anti-bite strips of plastic on the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a tight budget and still want a stylish, practical cot. Its slim and simple design will fit in any room. It can be used with an ordinary cot bed and comes with three heights adjustable for the base to grow as your child grows. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that accompany it.
Although it can be tricky to construct (one of our testers noted that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, it is lightweight and sturdy. It also has an added benefit: a tilting function that can aid in treating colic or reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery for a cohesive look.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of view but still within reach. They usually have an easy-to-access drawer where you can store lots of essentials, and some have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets and a teething rail to protect the cot sides from your little one's teething inclinations.
Full Statement might be able to transform your cot into toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can be converted into a junior bed once your child turns 5. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for many years. Be sure to check 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 2 years and will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. This classic crib is simple in its design, but it comes with a variety of features like an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's an investment, though it may be beyond the budget of many families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.