20 Resources To Help You Become Better At Baby Cot
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 sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four solid sides, which means you can be certain that your child is secure throughout the day. Many cots come in fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed when your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed alongside the parents' bed, giving parents to see their child as they rest. These cots are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent children from climbing over the sides. But once infants can crawl and stand up, these sides become a danger to safety and should be removed to prevent your child from falling off of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots have a circular shape which can help save space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and safe space for your baby to sleep in. They are portable and often have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
A lot of cots are basic and straightforward. Some have extra features, like teething rails or drawers for storage. Natural materials are the best cot bed because they are durable and resistant to wear. They should be kept free of toys and pillows since they can create danger of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot that includes removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be turned into a toddler bed once your baby outgrows it. This feature is especially useful in the event that you're planning to have more than one child because it will eliminate the need to switch between various kinds of furniture, and also saves money by purchasing separate beds. Most cot beds are suitable from birth until your child is around two years old, based on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has drop sides is perfect for those who suffer from back pain since it means you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is crucial as back pain is one of the most frequent problems for new mothers and pregnant women particularly those who have previously hurt their backs.
This type of cot allows your baby to be reached more easily throughout the day without you needing to worry about your back or lifting them. However, you need to make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child can't climb out.
If you are unsure about which cot is right for your needs we suggest calling us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can talk through your options. We can assist you in choosing 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 its ease to put together. Gina, a mum tester said it was "a easy assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It comes with teething rail as well as a drawer to store things in and three different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot is a good option for babies who are able to sleep all at night. But you should check that the cot is made from a sanitized material such as solid wood, and that the slats are fixed correctly and not loosened.
Check to see if the cot is certified to meet British safety regulations. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this led to dangerous designs being prohibited in the USA. Look for a model that automatically locks the drop side when it is in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your child from pulling the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
While photos of styled nursery cots 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 placed in the vicinity of the baby must be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the risk of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot, since they could be strangulation hazards and children could get their heads on them when they slumber during their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this minimalist cot bed is suitable from birth until toddler age. It has a wide range of mattress bases and can be easily transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a good choice for parents with ceilings that slope because it comes with lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling down.
Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until 4 years old. It has an unusual oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and is able to easily pass through standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can convert the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
A high-quality piece that's a good investment, this curved cot bed is available in off-white or stylish green and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's a top choice for parents who value longevity, as it can be made into a toddler bed by removing the sides and into a twin bed for older children by removing the front rails. It's also incredibly durable and includes storage drawers, teething rails and an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are numerous options on the market, whether you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that can expand with them. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds, so that you can quickly switch them out when your child outgrows them. Others have built-in drawers for storage, and some even come with a nappy changing station!
It's handy to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins or other things that your child loves. It is also easier to tidy it up, as everything is all in one place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on the sides, which are great for teething infants!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It's a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll be a good fit in any room. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base to grow along with your child. It can be made into a toddler's bed by taking off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along with it.
It's not an easy thing to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It has an additional feature: a tilting function that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's also available in a variety of colours, so you can match it with other furniture in the nursery to create a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you wish to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from sight but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage is ideal. These cots and tots usually feature an easy-to-access drawer where you can store lots of essentials, and some have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets, as well as teething rails to shield the sides of the cot from your little one's chewing urges.
Based on the style 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 transform into a junior bed once your child is five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a family member for a long time. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits in your nursery.
If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and that will grow with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh mini cotbed. The classic cot features a simple design, but it has numerous features, including an under-bed drawer to store items, a teething rail, and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is simple to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed by the expertise of international sleep consultants. It's a significant investment, however it may be priced out of the budget of many families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.