Guide To Baby Cot: The Intermediate Guide On Baby Cot
Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent babies from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots have 4 secure sides, so you can rest assured that your child is secure throughout the day. They usually come in the fixed size and could be converted to a toddler bed as your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are great for small nursery settings and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds and allow parents to keep an eye on their child as they sleep. These cots have fixed sides to stop babies from stepping over them. Once your baby is capable of standing and crawling on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots are usually circular to help reduce space and are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and safe place for your child to sleep. They are easy to transport and usually come with castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
A lot of cots are simple and basic. Some have extra features such as teething rails or storage drawers. The most durable cots are constructed from natural materials since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of stuffed toys or pillows as these can pose the risk of suffocation to young children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of the cot which has removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be converted into a toddler bed after your child has outgrown it. This feature is particularly beneficial when you are planning to have more than one baby because it means you don't have to switch between different types of beds and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. Most cribs can be used from birth until your infant is about 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 because it means that you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is crucial as back problems are one of the most frequent problems for new mothers and pregnant women especially those who previously hurt their backs.
This type of cot means that your baby will be reached more easily throughout the day without needing to worry about your back or lifting them. You must make sure that there is at least 4cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from escaping.
If you are unsure about the Best cot for newborn cot for your needs, we recommend calling Baby's Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can help you choose the most stylish and safe cot that can develop with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It scored high marks for its ease of assembly. Gina, a mum tester, said it was "a simple assembly with clearly and with illustrations". It also comes with a useful drawer and teething rails, and 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's durability and solid construction makes it a great crib option for babies that sleep through the night. Make sure 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 is certified to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this has led to unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Look for a model that automatically locks the drop side when it is in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which will prevent your cheap baby cots from being able to pull the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any fabric placed close to a baby should be tucked tightly to prevent the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be hung above the cot, since they could be strangulation hazards and infants could catch their heads on them if they roll over during their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a low-cost option, but it's surprisingly sturdy. It's suitable for infants up to toddlers. It has a wide range of mattress bases and can easily be converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It's also a good option for parents with ceilings that slope as it has lockable castors to prevent the cot from slipping down.
This cot bed made of wood in a vintage style is another cot that can be easily transformed. It can be used by children from birth up to age 4. Its unique oval shape means that it will not be snagged in corners, and can easily fit into standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a stylish bench-style bed for a child who is older by simply taking the bars off.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that can be an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in off-white and stylish green. It's a great choice for parents who value durability, since it can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides, and then into a twin bed for older children by removing the front rails. It's also incredibly robust and comes with a storage drawer and teething rails as well as an easy hanging rail to hang blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or want a design that will adapt to their needs There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the switch over simple when your little one outgrows it. Other cots include drawers built in to store things in and some come with a changing station included!
It's handy to have a cot with drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins, or other items that your child loves. It also makes it easier to clean up since everything is in one place. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite strips of plastic on the sides, which are great for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It's minimalist design that's slim and will be a good fit in any room. It takes a standard cot mattress and has three adjustable heights for the base to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to accompany it.
It's not easy to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions were unclear) However, once it's constructed, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It also has an added benefit: a tilting function which can help with reflux or colic. Plus, it's available in lots of different colors, so you can pair it with other furniture in the nursery if you're going for a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
A cot with storage is perfect for those who want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of view but within easy reach. They come with an area to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the design of your cot, you may be able to turn it into a toddler bed or day bed if your child is ready for an upgrade, and some can even be converted into a junior bed after your baby turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a member of the family for many years. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a fashionable cot that is suitable for infants from 2 to 2 years old. It also grows with your child. The classic cot is minimalist in design but offers plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a Baby Cot (linked web-site), bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep, and is backed up by the expertise of internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's an investment, however it may be out of budget for many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.