Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to keep babies from getting out of bed or becoming suffocated if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They shouldn't have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four solid sides, which means you can rest assured that your baby is safe throughout the day. best cots for newborns come in fixed-sizes and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed beside the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their baby while they lay down. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over the sides. However, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a danger to safety and must be removed in order to prevent your child from falling off of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are usually circular in shape to help save space and are 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 typically have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
Some cots come with extra features, like drawers or teething rails, but most are basic. Natural materials are the best because they are durable and more resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of stuffed toys or pillows as they could pose a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot-bed is a larger version of a cot with a removable side and end panels. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers when your baby grows out of it. This feature is especially useful in the event that you plan to have more than one child since it makes it easier to switch between different types of beds and saves money by not buying separate beds. Most cot beds can be used from birth until your child is around two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back pain, a cot with a drop-side is the best option. You won't need to bend over the side. This is important since back pain is among the most common problems amongst new mothers and pregnant women particularly those who have previously hurt their backs.
This kind of cot allows your baby to be reached more easily throughout the day without having to be concerned about your back or lifting them. However, 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 suggest that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if are unsure which cot is best for your needs. We can discuss your options. We can assist you in finding a safe, stylish cot that grows with your child, and meet all safety standards that are required by law.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for its ease to construct. Mom tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to build - extremely clear instructions with photos". It comes with a teething rail as well as a drawer to store things in and 3 different mattress height positions.
The cot's durability and solid construction makes it a great option for babies that can sleep all night. But make sure that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats are secured properly and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot has been certified to meet British safety regulations. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models, and this has led to some dangerous designs being banned in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able to pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, all fabrics placed near the baby should be tucked in tightly to avoid the possibility of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the cot since they can strangle babies or cause them to hit their heads as they move around in their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It can be made to a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a good option for parents with ceilings that slope since it has lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling.
This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that is easily converted. It can be used by children as young as up to age 4. It features a unique oval shape which means it won't be stuck in corners and can easily pass through standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a chic bench-style bed for older children by taking the bars off.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will make a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It is available in a stylish green and off-white. It's a great option for parents looking for a durable product. It can be turned into a toddler's bed 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, teething rails, and a handy hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or need a design that can grow with them, there are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the switch over easy when your little one outgrows it, while others have built in drawers for storage and others even come with 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 loves. It is also easier to tidy it up by putting everything all in one spot. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips along the sides - great for babies who are teething!
If you're on a tight budget but still need a chic and practical cot, the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. Its slim and simple design will fit in the majority of rooms. It takes the standard mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable base heights to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by taking off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along with it.
It's not an easy thing to put together (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear) However, once it's constructed it is light and durable. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting function that can help with colic or reflux. It's also available in lots of different colours too so you can match it with other furniture for your nursery in the event that you want an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you want your baby's toys and bedding away from view, but still within easy reach, a cot with storage is ideal. These cots have an area to store the essentials. Some also come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
You might be able to convert your cot into a daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can transform into a junior bed when your child reaches five. This gives you an excellent value for money and guarantees that your cot will be an integral part of your family for a long time to come, but be sure to verify the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate for the nursery before purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a fashionable cot which can be used for babies up to two years old. It also grows with your child. This classic cot has an unassuming design, however it has numerous features, including an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage and a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. It's also a breeze to assemble with alphabetically labelled parts and excellent instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and includes expert advice from international experts. The cost is expensive and may not be within the budget of some families. Our full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.