Guide To Baby Cot: The Intermediate Guide To Baby Cot

Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots prevent children from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.

Most cots are designed with four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's safety at all times. Many cots come in fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed when your child gets older.

Standard Cots

Standard cots can be placed on top of the parents' bed, allowing them to view their child as they lay down. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides to prevent babies from climbing on the sides. Once your baby is able to stand and crawl, these sides are an hazard to safety and should be removed.

Cots are shaped in a circular manner, which helps reduce space. They 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 are able to be easily moved between spaces and are often on wheels or castors to allow you to move them around easily.

Many cots are basic and simple. Some have additional features such as teething rails or storage drawers. Natural materials are the best since they are more durable and resistant to wear. They should be free of any toys or pillows as these can pose a risk of suffocation for children who are still young.

A cot-bed is a larger version of a cot with a removable side and end panels. It can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is especially useful if you are expecting to have more than one child as it will eliminate the need to switch between different kinds of furniture, and also saves money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cribs can be used right from the moment your baby is born until the time he is two years old, depending on their size and weight.

Drop-side Cots

If you suffer from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the ideal alternative. You won't need to bend over the side. Back back pain is a common occurrence for pregnant women and new mothers, particularly when they've had back injuries in the past.

This kind of cot allows your baby to be easily reached during the day without you needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. However, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm so that your child can't get out.

We suggest that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if aren't sure which cot is best crib for your needs. We can discuss your options. We can help you choose the most secure, 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 scored excellent marks in our tests for being easy to put together. Mum tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to build - very clear instructions with pictures". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails as well as 3 adjustable mattress height positions.

The cot is a great option for babies that sleep all at night. But you should check that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats have been fixed in a proper manner and not too loose.

Another thing to look out for is whether the cot has been certified to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this led to unsafe designs being outlawed in the USA. 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 child from being able to pull the side down and get out.

Corner Cots

Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any fabric placed close to a baby should be tucked tightly to reduce the possibility of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the cot since they can strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads when they roll around in their sleep.

A budget buy that's surprisingly sturdy, this minimalistic cot bed is suitable from birth until toddler age. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing the side panel. It's also a great option for parents with sloped ceilings because it comes with lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling.

Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until 4 years old. It has an unique oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and can easily fit through standard door frames. By removing the bars it is possible to transform the cot into a chic bed for older children.

A high-quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot bed is available in off-white or fashionable green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It's an excellent option for parents who appreciate durability, since it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child by removing the front rails. It's also extremely durable and comes with an storage drawer and teething rails as well as a handy hanging rail for muslins or blankets.

Cots with Drawers

There are a variety of options on the market, whether you need extra storage space for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that will grow with them. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the change over easy when your little one outgrows it, while others come with built-in drawers for storage, and some come with a changing station included!

A crib with drawers is ideal for keeping everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin cloths or blankets, and it also makes tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one place. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips on the sides, which are great for teething babies!

If you're on a budget but still require a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It has a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll work well in all rooms. It can be used with a standard cot and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base, allowing it to grow with your child. It can be made into a toddler bed by removing one of the side panels and there's a range of matching furniture to go with it.

Although it's not easy to construct (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, it's lightweight and strong. It comes with a further feature: a tilting feature that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's also available in a range of colours, so you can pair it with other nursery furnishings if you want a coordinated appearance.

Cots with Storage

A cot that has storage is ideal when you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight but still within reach. The cots come with drawers to store the essentials. Some also come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.

It is possible 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 great option to save money and make your cot a member of the family for many years. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery cots.

Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a chic cot that is suitable for infants from 2 to 2 years old. It can also grow with your child. The classic cot features a simple design, but it offers many features like an under-bed drawer to store items, a teething rail, and height levels that can be adjusted. It's also a breeze to assemble with alphabetically labelled components and excellent instructions.

If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep, and is backed up by the expertise of international sleep experts. The investment is high and might not be within the budget of many families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.