"The Baby Cot Awards: The Top, Worst, Or The Most Bizarre Things We've Seen
Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect babies from falling out of bed or becoming suffocated when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four secure sides to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. They often come in the fixed size and could be converted into an infant bed as your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed beside the parents' bed, allowing them a view of their baby while they lay down. They are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent children from climbing over the sides. But, once babies can crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and should be removed to prevent your child from falling out of their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are typically circular to help reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. infant cot bed Cots 4 Tots are easily portable and typically come with wheels or castors so you can move them around.
Some cots have extra features like teething rails or drawers but many are simple and basic. Natural materials are the best since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is essential to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, as they can suffocate young children.
A cot-bed is a bigger version of a cot with removable sides and end panels. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers when your child grows out of it. This feature is particularly useful if you are expecting to have more than one child as it eliminates the need to switch between various types of furniture and saves money on separate beds. Most cribs can be used right from birth until your child is two years old, depending on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the best alternative. You won't need to bend as much over the side. Back back pain is a common occurrence for pregnant women and new mothers, particularly if they have had back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without having to lift them or worry about your back. But, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm in order that your child won't be able to climb out.
We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if are unsure which cot is best for your needs. We can discuss your options. We can help you find a safe, stylish cot that will grow with your child and meet all safety standards required by law.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being easy to construct. The mother tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct - very clear instructions with pictures". It also comes with a practical teething rails and drawers, and three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is a good option for babies that sleep all the night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed from a safe material like solid wood, and that the slats are fixed correctly and not loosened.
Check to see if the cot has been certified to be in compliance with British safety regulations. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models which led to the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Look for a model that locks automatically the drop side when in the up position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which prevents your baby from pulling the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
While styled nursery photos might show blankets that are artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant deaths, any fabrics that are placed near the baby should be pulled in tightly to reduce the risk of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging above the cot, as they could be strangulation hazards and children could get their heads against them when they slumber during their sleep.
This cot-bed that is minimalistic is a budget buy, but it's surprisingly durable. It's suitable for infants all the way to toddlers. It has a wide range of mattress bases and can easily be converted into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It is an ideal choice for parents with high ceilings that slope. It is equipped with lockable castors to prevent the cot falling down.
This cot bed made of wooden in vintage style is another cot that can be easily transformed. It can be used by children as young as until age 4. It has an unique oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and is able to easily pass through standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a stylish bench-style bed for older children by lifting the bars.
A high-quality piece that's an excellent investment, this curved cot bed is available in either off-white or fashionable green and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's a great choice for parents seeking a durable item. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing its sides or into a twin bed for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly durable and comes with storage drawers, teething rails and an ideal hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
There are numerous options on the market, whether you want extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that could adapt to their needs. Some cots can be transformed into toddler beds so that you can easily switch when your child is old enough to use them. Some have built-in drawers that can be used for storage and some even have a changing station!
A crib with drawers is ideal to store all your child's favorite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets. It can also make tidying up easier because you can put everything in the same place. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips along the sides - great for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It's slimline and simple design can be incorporated in any room. It is compatible with an ordinary mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable base heights to grow with your baby. It can be converted into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a range of matching furniture to go with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to put together (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions weren't clear) Once it's assembled, it is lightweight and sturdy. It comes with a further feature: a tilting feature which can aid with reflux and colic. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can match it with other nursery furnishings if you want a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from sight but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage options is the best choice. The majority of cots have an easy-to-access drawer where you can put away a lot of your essentials and some come with hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets as well as a teething rail to protect the sides of the cot from your child's chewing urges.
You might be able to transform your cot into daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can be converted into a junior bed once your child turns 5. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for a long time. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a stylish cot which can be used for babies up to two years old. It also grows with your child. The classic cot features an unassuming design, however it offers many features like an under-bed drawer for storage as well as a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is simple to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a bassinet, baby cot and moses basket in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed by the expertise of internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's an investment, however it may be out of budget for many families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.