Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots protect children from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four secure sides to ensure your baby's security at all times. Many cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are perfect for smaller nursery settings and can be easily installed alongside the beds of parents, allowing them to keep an eye on their baby whilst they sleep. These cots are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides to prevent children from climbing over the sides. Once your baby is able to stand and crawl, these sides are an hazard to safety and should be removed.
Cots have a circular shape which can help save space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure space for your baby to rest in. They are easy to move between rooms and are usually mounted on wheels or on castors to enable you to move them with ease.
Many cots are simple and basic. Some have additional features such as teething rails or drawers for storage. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials because they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of toys and pillows as they could pose danger of suffocation for young children.
A cot-bed is a larger version of a cot with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers when your child grows out of it. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that you're planning to have more than one child because it will eliminate the need to switch between various kinds of furniture, and also saves money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth to around two years of age dependent on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop-side is ideal for those suffering from back pain because it means that you aren't bending over the side as much. Back cot beds for sale is a common occurrence for women who are pregnant and new mothers, particularly when they've had back injuries in the past.
This type of cot means that your baby can be reached more easily during the day without needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. But, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child can't climb out.
If you're unsure which cot is right for your child's needs we suggest contact us at Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. cheap cot bed can help you find the most secure, stylish cot that will grow with your child, meeting all safety standards required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top pick. It received high marks for its easy assembly. Gina mother tester has said that it was "a simple assembly with extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails plus three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is a good option for babies who sleep all the night. But you should check whether the cot is constructed of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats have been fixed properly and not too loose.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot has been certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this has led to some unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side that locks in the upward position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop 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 around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics that are placed near the baby must be tucked in tightly to avoid the risk of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging above the cot as they can be strangulating and infants could catch their heads against them when they roll over in their sleep.
A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this crib bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It comes with a wide variety of mattress positions and can be easily converted into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a great choice for parents with ceilings that slope, since it is equipped with lockable castors to ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that is easily transformed. It can be used by children as young as up to age 4. Its unique oval shape ensures that it doesn't get stuck in corners, and can easily fit into doors with standard frames. By removing the bars it is possible to transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
This curved cot-bed is a quality investment that will make an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It comes in off-white and stylish green. It's an excellent option for parents who appreciate longevity, as it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides, and then into a twin bed for older children by taking out the front rails. It's also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment, teething rails, and an ideal hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are numerous options on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that can adapt to their needs. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the change over easy when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Other cots include drawers built in to store things in and some include a changing station included!
A cot with drawers is great for keeping all your child's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets, and it helps in tidying up because you can put everything in the same place. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on the sides - ideal for babies who are teething!
If you're on a budget but still need a chic and practical cot, the Ikea Sniglar is a good choice. It has a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll fit well in most rooms. It can be used with a standard cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base to increase with your child. It can be made into a toddler's bed by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to be used with it.
Although it can be tricky to construct (one of our testers noted that the instructions weren't clear) Once it's assembled, it is lightweight and sturdy. It has an additional feature: a tilting feature that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's also available in a range of colours, so you can match it with other nursery furnishings for a cohesive look.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal if you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view but easily accessible. They come with drawers to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.
You might be able to transform your cot into a toddler or daybed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can even transform into a junior bed when your child turns 5. This is a the best value for money and will ensure that your cot will remain a part of the family for a long time to come, but be certain to look at the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate for your nursery prior to purchasing.
If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth until two years and will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxury Sleigh Cotbed. The classic cot is minimalist in appearance but comes with plenty of features like an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to build, 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's set to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed up by the expertise of international sleep consultants. The investment is high and might not be within the budget of many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.