Watch Out: What Baby Cot Is Taking Over And What To Do About It
Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent babies from falling out of their beds or becoming suffocated if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have 4 secure sides, so you can be certain that your child is secure throughout the day. They are usually of an unchanging size, and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for smaller nurseries and can be easily installed alongside the beds of parents and allow parents to keep an eye on their child while they sleep. These cots are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing on the sides. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling on the sides, they pose a safety risk and should be removed.
Cots are usually circular in shape to save space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are easily portable and typically have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
A lot of cots are basic and straightforward. Some come with extra features like teething rails or drawers for storage. The best cots are made of natural materials because they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of stuffed pillows or animals, as they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot-bed is a larger version of 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 particularly useful if you expect to have more than one baby, as it eliminates having to change between different types and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. The majority of cribs are suitable from birth until your child is around two years old, depending on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
If you suffer from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best option. You won't have to bend over the side. This is important as back pain is one of the most common problems amongst pregnant women and new parents particularly those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without having to lift them or worry about your back. However, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm in order that your child isn't able to climb out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if are unsure about which cot will best suit your needs. We can talk about your options. We can help you find an elegant, safe cot that can grow with your child, meeting all safety standards that are required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It received high marks for its easy assembly. Gina mom test-sitting said it was "a simple assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". It comes with a teething rail as well as a drawer to store things in and three different positions for the mattress's height.
The cot is a great option for babies that sleep all night. It is important to ensure that the slats on the cot's frame are properly secured and not too loose.
Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been certified as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models and this resulted in the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Find a cot with an auto-locking drop side that locks in the upward position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able pull the side down in order 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 that are placed near the baby should be tucked in tightly to reduce the danger of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the crib as they could strangle babies or cause them to hit their heads as they move around in their sleep.
A budget-friendly purchase that's sturdy, this minimalistic crib bed is suitable from birth until the age of toddler. It offers a variety of mattress bases and can easily be transformed into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It's also a good choice for parents who have ceilings that slope because it comes with castors that can be locked to stop the cot from falling.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that can be easily transformed. It can be used by children from birth up to age 4. It features a unique oval shape which means it won't get stuck in corners and is able to easily pass through standard door frames. By removing Baby Cot Bed is possible to transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that can be a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in a stylish green and off-white. It's a top option for parents who appreciate longevity, since it can be made into a toddler bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for an older child by cutting off the front rails. It's also extremely robust and includes storage drawers, teething rails and an easy hanging rail to hang muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or want a design that will grow with them There are plenty of options on the market. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds, allowing you to easily change them when your child has outgrown them. Others have built-in drawers that can be used for storage and some have a changing station!
It's handy to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets muslins, and other things that your child will love. It is also easier to tidy it up since everything is in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips on the sides - ideal for teething infants!
If you're looking to save money but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's slimline and simple design can be incorporated in the majority of rooms. It can be used with a standard cot mattress and has three adjustable base heights to grow with your baby. It can be made into a toddler's bed by taking off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to accompany it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to build (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions were not clear), once it's constructed it's lightweight and strong. It also has a unique feature: a tilting feature which can help with reflux and colic. It's also available in a range of colors, meaning you can pair it with other nursery furnishings if you want a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect when you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view but easily accessible. They usually have a handy drawer where you can store lots of essentials, and some have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets as well as a teething rail to protect the cot sides from your child's chewing urges.
You may be able convert your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can be converted into a junior bed once your child reaches 5. This provides you with an excellent value for money and guarantees that your cot will remain part of the family for many years to come, but be certain to look at the dimensions to ensure it will fit into your nursery prior to purchasing.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a stylish cot that can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It will also grow with your child. The classic cot features an easy design, but it offers many features like an under-bed drawer to store items and a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution for a better sleep it's a cot, bassinet, and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize how babies sleep, and includes expert advice from international experts. The cost is expensive and may not fit into the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.