Guide To Baby Cot: The Intermediate Guide To Baby Cot
Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to stop infants from getting out of bed, or suffocating when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have any protrusions or sharp edges.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's security at all times. They often come in a fixed size and may be converted to a toddler bed as your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed beside the parents' bed, allowing them to view their child while they rest. They have sides that are fixed to prevent babies from stepping over them. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling over the sides, they pose a safety risk and should be removed.
Cots are typically circular to help reduce space and are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and offer a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They can be easily moved between rooms and are usually mounted on wheels or on castors to allow you to move them with ease.
Some cots have extra features like teething rails or drawers but most are basic. The best cots are made of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of toys and pillows as these can pose the risk of suffocation to children who are still young.
A cot-bed is a larger version than a cot, with a removable side and end panels. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers when your child grows out of it. This feature is particularly useful when you are planning 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 cot-beds can be used from birth to around two years old, depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with a drop side is ideal for those who suffer from back pain as it means that you aren't bending over the side as much. This is crucial as back problems are one of the most recommended cribs common problems amongst new mothers and pregnant women especially those who previously hurt their backs.
This type of cot also means that your baby will be reached more easily throughout the day without you having to worry about your back or lifting them. However, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child isn't able to climb out.
If you're not sure which cot is right for your child's needs we suggest contact us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can talk through your options. We can help you choose a stylish and safe cot that can evolve with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cheap cot beds is our top choice. It scored high marks for its ease of assembly. Gina, a mum tester, said it was "a simple assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It also comes with a useful drawer and teething rails and three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot's strength and solid construction makes it a great choice for babies who can sleep all night. Make sure that the cot's slats and frame are securely fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot has been inspected as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models, which resulted in the USA banning some dangerous designs. Look for a model 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 to pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any fabric placed close to babies should be tucked tightly to reduce the possibility of the baby suffocating. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should never be left hanging above the cot, since they pose a strangulation risk and children could get their heads on them if they roll over during their sleep.
This cot-bed that is minimalistic is a bargain but it's actually quite sturdy. It's suitable for babies to toddlers. It can be converted to a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It is an ideal choice for parents who have sloped ceilings, as it is equipped with lockable castors to ensure that the cot isn't falling 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 as young as up to age 4. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it doesn't be snagged in corners and can easily fit into the standard door frames. By removing the bars you can convert the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that will create an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in stylish green and off-white. It's a great option for parents looking for a durable product. It can be turned into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides, and into a twin for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely sturdy and includes a storage drawer and teething rails as well as a handy hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra 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 turned into toddler beds, so that you can easily change them when your child has outgrown them. Others have built-in drawers that can be used for storage and some even include a changing station!
A crib with drawers is ideal to keep all your little one's favourite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets. It helps in tidying up as you can keep everything in the same space. These cots also have anti-bite strips on their sides - ideal for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It's slimline and simple design can be incorporated in any room. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base to increase as your child grows. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to go along with it.
It's not an easy thing 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 comes with a benefit: a tilting function that can help with reflux or colic. Additionally, it's available in a variety of colors, so you can pair it with other nursery furniture if you're going for an aesthetically pleasing style.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal when you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of view but still within reach. The majority of cots have an easy-to-access drawer where you can keep a variety of items and some come with hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets, as well as teething rails to shield the cot sides from chewing urges.
You might be able to transform your cot into toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to transform into a junior bed when your baby turns five. This is a the best cots for newborns value for money and guarantees that your cot will remain a part of the family for years to come, but be certain to look at the dimensions to ensure it will fit into your nursery prior to purchasing.
If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth to 2 years old and that will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. This classic cot has an unassuming design, however it has many features such as an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage as well as a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. It's also simple to put together with alphabetically labeled parts and excellent instructions.
If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed up with expert advice from international sleep experts. It's a significant investment, however, and may be out of budget for many families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.