Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent infants from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and cot. They shouldn’t have protrusions or sharp edges.
The majority of cots have four secure sides, so you can rest assured that your child is secure throughout the day. Many cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be placed on top ranked cribs of the parents’ bed, giving them to view their baby while they rest. These cots are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent infants from climbing over the sides. But once infants can crawl and stand up, these sides become a danger to safety and must be removed to prevent your child from falling out of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are generally circular to help reduce space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure place for your baby to rest in. They are portable and typically have wheels or castors so you can move them around.
Many cots are basic and simple. Some have extra features like teething rails or drawers for storage. The best cots are made of natural materials as these are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of stuffed toys or pillows as they could pose a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot-bed can be a bigger version of a cot with a removable side and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler’s bed when your child grows out of it. This feature is particularly useful if you expect to have more than one baby because it means you don’t have to switch between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. Most cribs can be used right from the moment your baby is born until the time he is around two years old, based on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop-side is ideal if you suffer from back pain because it means you aren’t bending over the side as much. This is crucial as back pain is among the most common issues among pregnant women and new parents, especially those who have previously hurt their backs.
This type of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without lifting 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 can’t climb out.
If you are unsure about which cot is best crib for newborn for your child’s needs We suggest calling us at Baby’s Hyperstore to discuss your options. We can help you choose an elegant, safe cot that grows with your child, and meet all safety standards required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for being easy to put together. Gina mother tester, said it was “a simple assembly with clearly and with illustrations”. It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails, and 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is an excellent option for babies who sleep all the night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed from a safe material like solid wood, and that the slats have been fixed correctly and not loosened.
Check to see if the cot has been certified to meet British safety regulations. Before 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models which resulted in the USA banning some unsafe designs. Look for a model 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
Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets adorably draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, all fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be tucked into a tight swaddle to avoid the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn’t be left hanging over the cot as they could strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
A budget buy that’s surprisingly robust, this crib bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It offers a variety of mattress bases and is easily transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It’s also a good cribs option for parents with sloped ceilings because it comes with castors that lock to prevent the cot from falling down.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that can be easily converted. It can be used by children from birth up to age 4. It features a unique oval shape which ensures it doesn’t get stuck in corners and can easily fit through door frames that are standard. The cot can also be converted into a chic bench-style bed for a child who is older by simply lifting the bars.
This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that can be an impressive centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in off-white and stylish green. It’s a great choice for parents seeking a durable item. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child when the front rails are removed. It’s also incredibly robust and includes an storage drawer and teething rails as well as an ideal hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
If you’re looking for additional storage space for your baby’s clothes or bedding, or are looking for a design that will grow with them, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the switch to a toddler bed easy once your little one outgrows it, while others have built in drawers for storage, and some have a changing area included!
A crib with drawers is ideal to store everything your baby’s favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets, and it helps in tidying up as you can keep everything in one space. These cots also have anti-bite strips on the sides – ideal for teething infants!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you’re on a tight budget and nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It’s slimline and minimalist design will work in the majority of rooms. It takes the standard cot sets mattress and has three adjustable base heights to accommodate the growing baby. It can be made into a toddler’s bed by removing the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to accompany it.
It’s not easy to assemble (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren’t clear), but once constructed, it is lightweight and long-lasting. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function which can aid with reflux and colic. It’s also available in a variety of colours, so you can coordinate it with other furniture for your nursery if you want 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 will be ideal. They usually have a handy drawer where you can store lots of essentials, and some have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets and a teething rail to protect the sides of the cot from your child’s chewing urges.
You might be able to convert your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to be converted into a junior bed once your child reaches five. This gives you great value for money and guarantees that your cot will be a part of the family for a long time to come, but make certain to look at the dimensions to make sure it will fit into the nursery before purchasing.
If you’re looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth to two years and will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot is minimalist in design, but it comes with a variety of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to assemble, with alphabetically-labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more high-tech sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It’s set to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed by the expertise of internationally-renowned sleep experts. It’s an investment, however, and may be out of budget for many families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.