Avoid Making This Fatal Mistake You're Using Your Baby Cot
Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop infants from getting out of bed or dying 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 sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's security throughout the day. A lot of cots are available in fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed when your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed beside the parents' bed, giving them a view of their child as they rest. The cots are designed with fixed sides to stop babies from stepping over them. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a danger to safety and should be removed to stop your child from falling out of bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are typically circular in shape to help reduce space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually mounted on wheels or on castors to enable you to move them easily.
Some cots come with extra features like drawers or teething rails, but many are simple and basic. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials because they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, since they can cause children to drown.
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 child grows out of it. This feature is especially useful if you expect to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to change between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. The majority of cribs can be used from the moment your baby is born until the time he is around two years old, based on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
If you are suffering from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the ideal option. You won't need to bend as much over the side. Back back pain is a common occurrence for pregnant women and new mothers, especially those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot means that your baby will be reached more easily throughout the day without needing to worry about your back or lifting them. It is important to ensure that there is at least 4 cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from climbing out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure about which cot is best for your requirements. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can help you choose the most secure, stylish cot that can grow with your child, and meet all safety standards required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for its ease to construct. Gina mom test-sitting, said it was "a simple assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails plus three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot is a good option for babies that sleep all the night. But make sure that the cot is made from a safe material like solid wood and that the slats are secured correctly and not loosened.
Verify that the cot has been certified as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models and this led to the USA banning some unsafe designs. Find a cot with an auto-locking drop side that locks in the upward position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able pull the side down in order to climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed near the baby must be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot, since they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads on them if they roll over during their sleep.
This cot-bed that is minimalistic is a bargain, but it's surprisingly durable. It's suitable for infants all the way to toddlers. It offers a variety of mattress positions and can be easily converted into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a good option for parents with sloped ceilings as it has castors that lock to prevent the cot from falling.
This cot bed made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that is easily converted. It can be used by children as young as to age 4. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it doesn't be snagged in corners, and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. The cot can be turned into a stylish bench bed for an older child by taking the bars off.
A quality piece that's an excellent investment This curved cot bed is available in off-white or fashionable green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents seeking a durable item. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides or into a twin bed for older children when the front rails are removed. It is also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment, teething rails, and an ideal hanger for blankets and muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you need extra storage for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that can expand with them. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the change over easy when your child outgrows it. Some include drawers built in for storage, and some come with a changing station included!
It's handy to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins or other things that your child loves. It is also easier to tidy up since everything is all in one spot. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips along the sides - great for teething babies!
If you're looking to save money but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's a minimalist design that's slim and will work well in all rooms. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot and has three adjustable heights for the base, allowing it to grow with your child. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a range of matching furniture to go with it.
It can be difficult to assemble (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built it is light and long-lasting. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting feature which can help with colic or reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can match it with other furniture in the nursery for a cohesive appearance.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect if you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of view but within easy reach. The cots come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some also come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
Based on the style of your cot you might be able to turn it into an infant bed or a day bed when your child is ready for an upgrade and some turn into a junior bed once your child turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a member of the family for a long time. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a chic cot which can be used for infants from 2 to 2 years old. It will also grow with your child. This classic cot has a simple design, but it offers many features like 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 easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed up by expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's a significant investment, however, and may be beyond the budget of many families. cots to tots can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.