Guide To Baby Cot: The Intermediate Guide For Baby Cot
Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
cheap cots are designed to stop infants from falling out of their beds, or suffocating if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They shouldn't have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four solid sides, which means you can rest assured that your child is secure at all times. They are usually of a fixed size and may be converted into an infant bed as your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily placed on top ranked cribs of the parents' bed, allowing them a view of their baby while they rest. These cots have fixed sides to prevent babies from stepping over them. However, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, these sides can become dangerous and therefore they need to be removed to prevent your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.
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 safe space for your baby 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 such as teething rails or drawers but many are simple and basic. The best cots for newborns cots are made from natural materials since they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of stuffed toys or pillows as they could pose a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of a cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is no longer using it. This feature is especially useful if you are expecting to have more than one child because it will eliminate the necessity of switching between different types of furniture and saves money by purchasing separate beds. Most cot beds can be used right from birth until your infant is about two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the ideal option. You won't need to bend over the side. This is important as back pain is one of the most common issues among new mothers and pregnant women especially those who previously hurt their backs.
This kind of cot lets you to reach your child more easily throughout the day, without having to lift them or worry about your back. You must ensure that there is at least 4cm between the base of the mattress and the mattress to prevent your child from escaping.
If you're unsure the best cot bed cot for your needs, we recommend getting in touch with us at Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can assist you in finding a safe, stylish cot that can grow with your child, and meet all safety standards required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for its ease to put together. Gina, a mum tester, said it was "a breeze to assemble - very clear and illustrated instructions". It comes with teething rail and a drawer for storage and 3 different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot's strength and solid construction makes it a great option for babies that can sleep all night. It is important to ensure that the slats of the cot's frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been inspected to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models, and this led to unsafe designs being outlawed in the USA. Find a cot with an auto-locking side for the drop in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able to lower the side to climb out.
Corner Cots
While styled nursery photos may show blankets artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics placed near the baby should be pulled into a tight swaddle to avoid the danger of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot as they can strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads when they sway around in their sleep.
This minimalist cot-bed is a budget buy, but it's surprisingly robust. It's suitable for babies up to toddlers. It comes with a wide variety of mattress base positions and is easily converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It's an ideal choice for parents who have sloped ceilings, as it comes with lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.
This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that is easily converted. It can be used by children as young as until age 4. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it will not be snagged in corners and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. The cot can also be converted into a chic bench-style bed for older children by lifting the bars.
A quality piece that's an excellent investment, this curved cot bed is available in off-white or stylish green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It's a great choice for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be turned into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides and into a twin for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and includes an storage drawer as well as teething rails, as well as an easy hanging rail to hang muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or you need a design that can grow with them, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds so that you can easily change them when your child outgrows them. Some come with built-in drawers for storage and some have a changing station!
It's convenient to have a cot that has drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins, and other things that your child loves. It is also easier to tidy it up, as everything is all in one place. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips on the sides - great for babies who are teething!
If you're on a tight budget but still require a stylish and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's slimline and minimalist design will work in the majority of rooms. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base, allowing it to grow as your child grows. 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.
It's not an easy thing to put together (one of our test subjects said that the instructions were unclear) However, once it's constructed it's light and long-lasting. It comes with a further feature: a tilting function which can aid with reflux and colic. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can coordinate it with other furniture in the nursery for a cohesive appearance.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is ideal for those who want to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view but easily accessible. The majority of cots have a drawer that can store lots of essentials, and some have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets and teething rails to shield the cot sides from your little one's tooth-gnashing urges.
Depending on the design of your cot you might be able to turn it into an infant bed or a day bed when your child is ready for a change and some transform into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a family member for a long time. Be sure to check its dimensions before purchasing 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 will also grow with your child. This classic cot has an easy design, but it comes with many features such as an under-bed drawer for storage, a teething rail, and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is easy to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from international consultants. The cost is expensive and may not be within the budget of a lot of families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.