Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect 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.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's safety at all times. They usually come in an unchanging size, and can be converted to an infant bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be placed on top of the parents' bed, giving parents to see their child while they sleep. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that stop children from climbing over the sides. When your baby is able to stand and crawl over the sides, they pose a safety risk and should be removed.
Cots are usually circular in shape to help reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and offer a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are easy to transport and often have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features such as teething rails or drawers but most are basic. The most durable online cots are constructed from natural materials since they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, since they can suffocate young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot that has removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be transformed into a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. This feature is particularly useful when you are planning to have more than one baby since it makes it easier to switch between different types and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to about two years old dependent on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with a drop side is ideal if you suffer from back pain as it means you aren't bending over the side as much. Back pain is a common issue for pregnant women and new mothers, especially those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of Mini Cot Bed allows your baby to be reached more easily throughout the day without having to worry about your back or lifting them. However, you need to 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 climb out.
If you are unsure about which cot is right for your needs we suggest contact us at Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can help you choose the most secure, stylish cot that will grow with your child, meeting all safety standards required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top choice. It scored high marks for its ease of assembly. Mum tester Gina said it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions and pictures". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails and 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's durability and solid construction makes it a great option for babies who sleep through the night. But make sure that the cot sets is made of a safe material, such as solid wood, and that the slats are fixed in a proper manner and not too loose.
Verify that the cot has been certified to be in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models which resulted in the USA banning certain unsafe designs. Find a cot that auto locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent your baby from being able to pull the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any material placed near the baby should be secured tightly to avoid the possibility of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot, as they could be strangulation hazards and infants could catch their heads on them when they roll over in their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a bargain, but it's surprisingly robust. It's suitable for babies all the way to toddlers. It offers a variety of mattress positions and can easily be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a good cribs option for parents who have ceilings that slope because it comes with castors that can be locked to stop the cot from slipping down.
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 up to age 4. Its unique oval shape ensures that it doesn't get stuck in corners, and can easily fit into standard door frames. By removing the bars you can convert the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
This curve-shaped Mini Cot Bed-bed is an excellent investment that can be a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It is available in off-white and stylish green. It's an excellent option for parents who appreciate durability, since it can be made into a toddler bed by removing the sides and into a twin bed for an older child by removing the front rails. It's also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment as well as teething rails and a handy hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or you want a design that will adapt to their needs, there are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds so that you can quickly switch them out when your child is old enough to use them. Others have built-in drawers for storage and some come with a nappy changing station!
A cot with drawers is great to keep all your little one's favourite toys, muslin cloths or blankets in, and it helps in tidying up since you can store everything in one location. These cots also have anti-bite strips on the sides - perfect for teething infants!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It's a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll work well in all rooms. It takes an ordinary cot mattress and has three heights that can be adjusted to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be transformed into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels and there's a selection of matching furniture with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, it's light and durable. It also has an added benefit: a tilting function that can aid in treating reflux or colic. Additionally, it's available in lots of different colors, so you can match it with other furniture for your nursery if you're going for a coordinated style.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight but within easy reach. These cots have an area to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.
Based on the design of your cot, you may be able to transform it into a toddler bed or a day bed when your child is ready for a change and some turn into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a the best value for money and will ensure that your cot will remain an integral part of your family for many years to come, but be sure to verify the dimensions to ensure it will fit into the nursery before purchasing.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth until two years old and that will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. The classic cot features a simple design, but it offers numerous features, including an under-bed drawer for storage, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also simple 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 baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed up with expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. The price is high and might not be within the budget of a lot of families. Our full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.