Don't Make This Silly Mistake On Your Baby Cot
Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent babies from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's security throughout the day. They usually come in a fixed size and may be converted to a toddler bed when your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are perfect for small nursery settings and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds and allow parents to watch their baby whilst they sleep. These cots have fixed sides to prevent babies from stepping over them. But, once cot sales are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and therefore they need to be removed to prevent your child from falling off of the their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are typically circular to help reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and safe place for your child to sleep. They can be easily moved between rooms and are usually mounted on wheels or on castors to enable you to move them around easily.
Many cots are basic and simple. Some come with extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials because they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, since they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of the cot which includes removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be converted into a toddler bed after your child has outgrown it. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that you plan to have more than one baby since it makes it easier to switch between different types of beds and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. The majority of cot-beds are suitable from birth to around two years old depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best option. You won't have to bend over the side. This is important as back pain is one of the most frequent problems for pregnant women and new parents particularly those who have previously hurt their backs.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day without lifting them or worry about your back. However, you need to ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child isn't able to climb out.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if are unsure which cot will best suit your needs. We can talk about your options. We can help you select the most stylish and safe cot that will 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 its ease to construct. Gina mother tester, said it was "a breeze to assemble - extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It also comes with a useful drawer and teething rails, as well as 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 whether the cot is constructed from a safe material like solid wood and that the slats have been fixed correctly and not loosened.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot is certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models, and this has led to some dangerous designs being outlawed in the USA. Look for a model that automatically locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your child from being able to pull the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any fabric placed close to a baby should be tucked tightly to reduce the risk of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging above the cot, as they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads on them when they roll over during their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly sturdy, this minimalistic cot bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It can be made to a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a great option for parents with sloped ceilings because it comes with lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from birth until the child is 4 years old. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't get caught in corners, and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. By removing the bars, it is possible to transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
A quality piece that's an excellent investment This curved cot is available in off-white or stylish green, and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It's a great choice for parents who value longevity, since it can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing the sides and into a twin bed for older children by removing the front rails. It's also extremely durable and includes storage drawers, teething rails and a handy hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding or want a design that will adapt to their needs, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, so that you can quickly switch them out when your child has outgrown them. Others have built-in drawers that can be used for storage and some come with a nappy changing station!
A cot with drawers is handy for keeping all your little one's favourite toys, muslin towels or blankets in, and it also makes tidying up easier as you can keep everything in the same location. These cots also have anti-bite strips along the sides - ideal for infants 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. It's slimline and minimalist design will work in any room. It can be used with a standard mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable base heights to grow with your baby. It can be transformed into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a variety 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 it's constructed, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It comes with a further feature: a tilting feature which can help with reflux and colic. Additionally, it's available in a variety of colors, so you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery in the event that you want an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight however, they are still within reach, a cot that has storage will be ideal. These cots have an area to store the essentials. Some come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the design of your cot, you may be able to turn it into an infant bed or a day bed when your child is ready for an upgrade, and some can even transform into a junior bed after your baby turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for a long time. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a chic cot that can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It also grows with your child. This classic crib is simple in its design but offers plenty of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to better sleep, is a cot, moses basket, and bassinet all in one. It's set to revolutionize how babies sleep, and is backed by expert advice from international experts. The price is high and may not fit into the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.