Guide To Baby Cot: The Intermediate Guide Towards Baby Cot
Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop infants from getting out of bed or becoming suffocated if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have protrusions or sharp edges.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's safety at all times. A lot of cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be made into a toddler bed if your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for small nurseries and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds and allow parents to keep an eye on their child as they sleep. These cots have fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing over them. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling over the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are typically circular in shape to help reduce space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and secure place for your baby to rest in. They can be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors to allow you to move them with ease.
Many cots are basic and simple. Some come with extra features such as teething rails or drawers for storage. The best cots are made of natural materials because they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is essential to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of a cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be transformed into a toddler bed after your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly useful if you expect to have more than one child because it means you don't have to change between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth to about two years of age, depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the ideal alternative. You won't need to bend as much over the side. This is important as back problems are one of the most common issues among new mothers and pregnant women particularly those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot sale allows your baby to be reached more easily during the day without you having to worry about your back or lifting them. You must make sure that there is at least 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to prevent your child from escaping.
If you're not sure the best baby cots cot for your needs, we recommend calling Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can help you find an elegant, safe cot that can grow with your child, and meet all mandatory safety standards.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for being easy to put together. Mom tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to build - extremely clear instructions with photos". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails, as well as three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy build makes it a good option for babies that do not sleep through the night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed from a sanitized material such as solid wood and that the slats have been fixed in a proper manner and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot has been inspected to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models which resulted in the USA ban on certain unsafe designs. Find a cot that locks automatically the drop side when it is in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent your baby from pulling the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
While photos of styled nursery pictures might show blankets that are artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be pulled into a tight swaddle to avoid the danger of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging above the cot, as they could be strangulation hazards and children could get their heads against them when they roll over in their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this minimalist cot bed is suitable from birth until toddler age. It offers a variety of mattress bases and can be easily transformed into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It is also a great choice for parents who have ceilings that slope, since it is equipped with lockable castors to prevent the cot falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot sets bed is used from the time of birth until four years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it will not get stuck in corners, and can easily fit into standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that can be an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in stylish green and off-white. It's a great option for parents who value durability, since it can be made into a toddler bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for a child who is older by taking out the front rails. It's also extremely robust and comes with a storage drawer and teething rails as well as an easy hanging rail to hang muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional 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, allowing you to easily switch when your child is old enough to use them. Some have built-in drawers for storage and some have a changing station!
A crib with drawers is ideal to keep all your child's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets. It can also make tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one space. These online cots also have anti-bite strips along the sides - ideal for teething infants!
If you're on a tight budget but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. Its slim and simple design can be incorporated in any room. It takes an ordinary mattress for a cot and comes with three heights that can be adjusted to accommodate the growing baby. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to be used with it.
It's not easy to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed, it is lightweight 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 range of colors, meaning you can match it with other furniture for your nursery to create a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect when you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight but still within reach. They come with drawers to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the style of your cot, you may be able to turn it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change, and some can even be converted into a junior bed when your child is five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a family member for a long time. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth until two years and will grow with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. This classic cot is simple in design but offers plenty of features like an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear 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 revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed up with expert advice from international sleep experts. It's an investment, though it could be priced out of the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.
