Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent children from getting out of bed or dying if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's safety throughout the day. They often come in an unchanging size, and can be converted to a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be placed on top of the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their child as they sleep. They have sides that are fixed to prevent babies from climbing over them. But once infants can crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous and must be removed to stop your child from falling out of bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are generally circular to help reduce space and are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure space for your baby to sleep in. They are easy to move between spaces and are often on wheels or castors that allow you to move them with ease.
A lot of cots are simple and basic. Some come with extra features, like teething rails or storage drawers. Natural materials are the best since they are durable and more resistant to wear. They should be kept free of any toys or pillows since they can create the risk of suffocation to children who are still young.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot which has removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be transformed into a toddler bed when your baby outgrows it. This feature is especially useful 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. The majority of cot beds can be used from the moment your baby is born until the time he is around two years old, depending on their weight and size.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect for those who suffer from back pain since it means you do not have to bend over the side as much. This is important as back pain is one of the most common issues among pregnant women and new parents especially those who had back injuries previously.
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 mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm so that your child won't be able to climb out.
If you are unsure about the best cot for your needs we suggest contact us at Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you find a safe, stylish cot that grows with your child, and meet all safety standards required by law.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for its ease to put together. Gina, a mum tester said it was "a breeze to assemble - clearly and with illustrations". It also comes with a practical teething rails and drawers, plus three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot's durability and solid structure makes it an excellent choice for babies who sleep through the night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed from a safe material like solid wood and that the slats are fixed properly and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot is certified as meeting British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models, and this has led to unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Find a cot with an auto-locking side for the drop in the upward position. It will require two consecutive 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, advises that any material placed near a baby should be tucked tightly to prevent the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the crib as they can strangle babies or cause them to hit their heads when they roll around in their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's robust, this minimalist crib bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. It's also a great option for parents with ceilings that slope, since it is equipped with lockable castors to stop the cot from falling down.
Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until 4 years old. It has an unique oval shape that ensures it doesn't get stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through standard door frames. By removing the bars it is possible to transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
A quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot bed is available in off-white or stylish green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It's a great option for parents who appreciate longevity, since it can be converted into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and into a twin bed for an older child by taking out the front rails. It's also incredibly durable and comes with a storage drawer and teething rails as well as an ideal hanging rail for muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that could expand with them. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the switch to a toddler bed easy once your little one outgrows it. Other cots have built in drawers to store things in and some come with a changing station included!
It's handy to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins or other things that your child loves. It is also easier to tidy it up by putting everything all in one spot. These cots also have anti-bite strips on their sides - ideal for teething infants!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a tight budget but nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It's slimline and simple design can be incorporated in the majority of rooms. It can be used in conjunction with a standard cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base to increase along with your child. It can be converted into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a selection of furniture that can be used with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to put together (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions were not clear) after it's put together, it's lightweight and strong. It also comes with an added bonus: a tilting feature that can help with colic or reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can match it with other furniture for your nursery for a cohesive look.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's bedding and toys away from view but still within reach. They come with an area to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.
Based on the design of your cot you might be able to convert it into a toddler bed or a day bed when your child is ready for a change, and some can even be converted into a junior bed after your baby turns five. This is a the best value for money and ensures that your cot will be an integral part of your family for many years to come, but be sure to check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate for the nursery before purchasing.
If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth to two years old and that will grow with your child, look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. The classic crib is simple in its design, but it comes with a variety of features like an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It is set to revolutionise how babies sleep, and comes with expert advice from international 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.