Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent babies from falling out of their beds, or suffocating when they fall into the 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 to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. They are usually of a fixed size and may be converted into a toddler bed when your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are perfect for smaller nurseries and can be easily placed on top of parents' beds and allow parents to keep an eye on their baby whilst they rest. These cots are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that stop infants from climbing over the sides. But, once babies can crawl and stand up, the sides become a safety hazard and must be removed in order to prevent your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are generally circular in shape to reduce space and are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a comfortable and safe space for your child to sleep. They are easy to transport and often have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
Some cots come with extra features like drawers or teething rails, but many are simple and basic. Natural materials are the best as they are more durable and resistant to wear. It is crucial to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, as they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot-bed is a bigger version than a cot, with a removable side and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed when your baby grows out of it. This feature is especially useful when you plan to have more than one child because it will eliminate the need to switch between various kinds of furniture and helps save money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot-beds are suitable from birth to around two years of age dependent on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has drop sides is perfect for those suffering from back pain since it means you do not have to bend over the side as much. Back pain is a common problem for women who are pregnant and new mothers, particularly when they've had back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows your baby to be easily reached during the day without having to worry about your back or lifting them. But, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm so that your child can't get out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure which the best cot for your requirements. We can talk about your options. We can assist you in choosing a stylish, safe cot that will develop with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being simple to construct. Gina, a mum tester, said it was "a breeze to assemble - very clear and illustrated instructions". It comes with teething rails, a drawer for storage and three different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy construction makes it a great choice for babies who sleep through the night. But make sure 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.
Verify that the cot has been certified to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models which resulted in the USA ban on certain dangerous designs. Find a cot that locks automatically the drop side when it is in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which will prevent your baby from pulling the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
While photos of styled nursery pictures may show blankets adorably draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant deaths, all fabrics that are placed near the baby should be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be hung above the cot, as they can be strangulating and children could get their heads on them if they slumber during their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a low-cost option but it's actually quite sturdy. It's suitable for infants all the way to toddlers. It has a wide range of mattress bases and can easily be converted into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a great option for parents with ceilings that slope since it has castors that lock to prevent the cot from slipping down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until four years old. It has a unique oval shape which means it won't get stuck in corners and will easily pass through standard door frames. The cot can also be transformed into a chic bench-style bed for older children by lifting the bars.
This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that can be an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in a stylish green and off-white. It's an excellent option for parents who appreciate longevity, since it can be made into an infant bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for a child who is older by removing the front rails. It's also extremely sturdy and includes an storage drawer as well as teething rails, as well as an easy hanging rail to hang blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are numerous options on the market, whether you need extra storage for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that can grow with them. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds so that you can quickly switch them out when your child outgrows them. Some come with built-in drawers that can be used for storage and some have a changing station!
It's handy to have a cot that has drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins or other things that your child loves. It can also make it easier to tidy it up, as everything is all in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips along the sides - perfect for teething infants!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. Its slimline and simple design can be incorporated in the majority of rooms. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base to increase along with your child. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a range of matching furniture with it.
It can be difficult to assemble (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed it's light and durable. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's also available in a variety of colours, so you can coordinate it with other furniture in the nursery for a cohesive look.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view but still within reach. These cots usually feature a drawer that can store lots of essentials and some come with hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets as well as teething rails to shield the sides of your cot from teething inclinations.
Based on the design of your cot, you may be able to transform it into a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for an upgrade or be converted into a junior bed when your child is five. similar web page is a great value for money and guarantees that your cot will remain an integral part of your family for years to come, but make sure to check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate for your nursery prior to purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a chic cot that is suitable for infants from 2 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 including an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a high-tech solution to better sleep it's a cot, moses basket, and bassinet all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from international sleep consultants. It's an investment, though it may be out of budget for many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.