Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent babies from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. Many cots come in fixed-size and can be transformed into a toddler bed if your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are perfect for small nurseries and can be easily placed on top of parents' beds, allowing them to keep an eye on their child as they rest. They have sides that are fixed to stop babies from stepping over them. But, once babies can crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous 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 in shape to help save space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and offer a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are easily portable and usually have castors or wheels so you can move them around.
Some cots come with extra features such as drawers or teething rails, but many are simple and basic. The best cots are made of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. 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 more spacious version of the cot which has removable sides and an end panel, meaning it can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child has outgrown it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you are expecting to have more than one child since it eliminates 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 until your infant is around two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop-side is ideal for those who suffer from back pain as it means that you don't have to bend over the side as much. Back pain is a common problem for pregnant women and new mothers, especially when they've had back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot lets you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day without lifting them or be concerned about your back. But, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm so that your child isn't able to get out.
We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you aren't sure which cot will best suit your needs. best cots for newborns will be happy to discuss your options. We can help you select an attractive, safe cot that will develop with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received 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 also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails plus three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is a good option for babies who are able to sleep all the night. It is important to ensure that the slats on the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Verify that the cot is certified to meet British safety regulations. Prior to 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 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 being able to pull the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any fabric placed near the baby should be secured tightly to reduce the possibility of suffocation. cots to tots warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the crib as they can strangle infants or cause them to hit their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a bargain, but it's surprisingly robust. It's suitable for babies to toddlers. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a great option for parents with sloped ceilings since it has castors that can be locked to stop the cot from slipping down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from birth until four years old. It features an unique oval shape that means it won't get stuck in corners and can easily fit through door frames that are standard. The cot can be turned into a stylish bench-style bed for an older child by simply removing the bars.
This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that will make a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It is available in off-white and stylish green. It's a top choice for parents who value durability, since it can be made into an infant bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for older children by cutting off the front rails. It's also extremely durable and includes a storage drawer as well as teething rails, as well as a handy hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra 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 available on the market. Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds so that you can easily switch when your child outgrows them. Some come with built-in drawers for storage and some include a changing station!
A cot with drawers is handy to keep all your little one's favourite toys, muslin towels or blankets, and it helps in tidying up because you can put everything in one place. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips along the side too - perfect for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a budget but still want a chic, practical cot. Its slim and simple design will fit in any room. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base to grow with your child. It can be converted into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a variety of matching furniture with it.
It can be difficult to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions were unclear) however, once built it is light and durable. It also has a unique feature: a tilting feature which can help with reflux and colic. Additionally, it's available in lots of different colors so you can match it with other furniture in the nursery if you're going for an aesthetically pleasing look.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight but within easy reach. These cots have drawers to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.
You might be able to transform your cot into toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to transform into a junior bed when your child reaches five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a part of the family for a long time. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a chic cot which can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It also grows with your child. This classic crib is simple in its appearance but comes with plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also a breeze to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's designed to revolutionize how babies sleep, and comes with expert advice from international experts. The price is high and might not be within the budget of some families. Our full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.