Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect children from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have protrusions or sharp edges.
The majority of cots have four secured sides, so you can rest assured that your child is secure at all times. Many cots come in fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed if your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are perfect for small nurseries and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds, allowing them to keep an eye on their child while they sleep. These cots have fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing over them. However, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a danger to safety and should be removed in order to prevent your child from falling off of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner which can help reduce space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and safe space for your baby to sleep in. They are portable and usually come with castors or wheels so you can move them around.
A lot of cots are basic and straightforward. Some have additional features, like teething rails or storage drawers. The best cots are made from natural materials since they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of toys and pillows as these can pose a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot-bed can be a bigger version than a cot, with a removable side and end panels. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers when your baby grows out of it. This feature is especially useful when you are planning to have more than one baby, as it eliminates having to switch between different types and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. The majority of cot-beds are suitable from birth until around two years of age depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with a drop-side is ideal for those suffering from back pain because it means that you aren't bending over the side as much. This is important as back problems are one of the most common problems amongst pregnant women and new parents especially those who had back injuries previously.
This kind of cot lets you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without having to lift them or be concerned about your back. However, you need to 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 the best cot for your requirements. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can help you find an elegant, safe cot that grows with your child, meeting all mandatory safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being easy to put together. The mother tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions and pictures". It comes with teething rails and a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.
The cot is an excellent option for babies who are able to sleep all night. You should make sure that the slats of the cot's frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether 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 and this led to the USA ban on certain unsafe designs. Look for a model that automatically locks the drop side when in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your baby from pulling the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any material placed near the baby should be secured tightly to avoid the possibility of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the crib as they can strangle babies or cause them to hit their heads as they move around in their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It offers a variety of mattress base positions and is easily transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great option for parents with high ceilings that slope. It is equipped with lockable castors to stop the cot from falling down.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that is easily transformed. It can be used by children from birth until age 4. Its unique oval shape means that it doesn't get caught in corners, and can easily fit into the standard door frames. The cot can also be converted into a stylish bench bed for older children by simply lifting the bars.
This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that will create an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in stylish green and off-white. It's a top option for parents who value durability, since it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and into a twin bed for a child who is older by removing the front rails. It's also extremely durable and includes a storage drawer, teething rails and an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are many options available on the market, whether you want additional storage space for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that could expand with them. Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds, allowing you to easily change them when your child is old enough to use them. Some have built-in drawers to store things and some have a changing station!
It's handy to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins, or other items that your child loves. It is also easier to tidy up, as everything is in one place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on their sides - perfect for babies who are teething!
cheap cot bed is an excellent option for those on a tight budget and still want a stylish, practical cot. It's minimalist and sleek design that will be a good fit in any room. It can be used with a standard cot and has three adjustable heights for the base, allowing it to grow with your child. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a selection of matching furniture with it.
It can be difficult to put together (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built it is light and durable. It comes with a further feature: a tilting function that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's also available in a range of colours, so you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery to create a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect if you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of view but easily accessible. These cots usually feature an easy-to-access drawer where you can put away a lot of your essentials and some even have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets and teething rails to guard the sides of your cot from your child's tooth-gnashing urges.
Depending on the style of your cot you might be able to transform it into a toddler bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change, and some can even transform into a junior bed after your child is five. This is a an excellent value for money and guarantees that your cot will remain part of the family for many 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 Luxury Cotbed is a stylish cot that can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It also grows with your child. The classic crib is simple in its design but offers plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed up by the expertise of internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's an investment, however, and may be beyond the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.