Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect children from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four solid sides, which means you can be sure your child is secure throughout the day. Many cots are available in a fixed-size and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed beside the parents' bed, allowing them a view of their child while they lay down. The cots are designed with fixed sides to stop babies from climbing over them. But, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a safety hazard and must be removed to prevent your child from falling off of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are circular in shape which can help reduce space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and safe space for your baby to rest in. They are easily portable and usually come with castors or wheels so you can move them around.
Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some come with extra features such as teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best as they are durable and more resistant to wear and tear. It is essential to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, since they can suffocate young children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of the cot which has removable sides and an end panel, meaning it can be turned into a toddler bed after your child is no longer using it. This feature is especially useful if you are expecting to have more than one child because it removes the necessity of switching between different kinds of furniture, and also saves money on separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth until around two years old dependent on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back pain, a cot with a drop-side is the best option. It won't require you to bend over the side. Back pain is a common issue for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or worry about your back. But, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child can't get out.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if you are unsure which cot is best for your requirements. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can assist you in choosing the most stylish and safe cot that will develop with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It scored high marks for its easy assembly. Mum tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct with extremely clear instructions with photos". It also comes with a useful drawer and teething rails, plus three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot's strength and solid structure makes it an excellent option for babies that do not sleep through the night. It is important to ensure that the slats on the cot's frame are properly secured and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot has been certified to be in compliance with British safety regulations. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models and this resulted in the USA ban on certain dangerous designs. Look for a model that automatically locks the drop side when in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your child from pulling the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed near a baby should be tucked tightly to prevent the risk of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging above the cot, since they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads on them if they slumber during their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's robust, this minimalist cot bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It can be transformed to a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It's also a good choice for parents with ceilings that slope because it comes with lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed is used from birth until the child is four years old. It has an unique oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and is able to easily pass through standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
A top-quality piece that's an excellent investment This curved cot is available in off-white or stylish green, and will be the focal point of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents who are looking for a durable product. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing its sides or into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly robust and includes storage drawers and teething rails as well as an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you are looking for a design that will grow with them, there are plenty of options on the market. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the transition over easy when your child outgrows it. Other cots have built in drawers to store things in and some include a changing station included!
It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins, and other things that your child will love. It also makes it easier to tidy up since everything is in one place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on their sides - perfect for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. Its slimline and simple design can be incorporated in most rooms. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot bed and comes with three heights adjustable for the base to grow as your child grows. It can be transformed into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a variety of matching furniture with it.
It can be difficult to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed it is light and long-lasting. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting feature which can help with reflux or colic. Plus, it's available in a variety of colours too so you can match it to other furniture in the nursery if you're going for a cohesive look.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect when you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view but still within reach. They usually have an easy-to-access drawer where you can store lots of essentials and some even have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets and teething rails to shield the cot sides from your little one's tooth-gnashing urges.
It is possible to convert your cot into a daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can even transform into a junior bed when your child reaches 5. This gives you an excellent value for money and will ensure that your cot will be an integral part of your family for years to come, but make sure to check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate for the nursery before purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a stylish cot that can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It can also grow with your child. The classic crib is simple in its appearance but comes with plenty of features like an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height levels. It's also easy to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionize how babies sleep, and includes expert advice from international consultants. It's an investment, though, and may be priced out of the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.