Guide To Baby Cot: The Intermediate Guide To Baby Cot
Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots are designed to prevent babies from climbing out of the bed, or suffocating when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots come with four sides that are secure to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. They often come in a fixed size and may be converted to a toddler bed as your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for smaller nursery settings and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds, allowing them to keep an eye on their child while they sleep. These cots are designed to be secure and safe with fixed sides that prevent infants from climbing over the sides. But once infants are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and must be removed to stop your child from falling out of the bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are circular in shape which can help in reducing 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 sleep. They are easy to transport and often come with castors or wheels so that you can move them around.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features such as teething rails or drawers but most are basic. The best infant cribs cots are made of natural materials because they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of toys and pillows since they can create a risk of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a larger version of the cot that includes removable sides and an end panel. This means it can be transformed into a toddler bed after your child has outgrown it. This feature is especially useful if you expect to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to switch between different types of beds and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth to about two years of age dependent on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has a drop-side is ideal if you suffer from back pain as it means you do not have to bend over the side as much. Back pain is a common problem for pregnant women and new mothers, particularly when they've had back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without having to lift them or be concerned about your back. But, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the cot and the mattress is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child won't be able to climb out.
If you're unsure which cot is right for your needs, we recommend calling us at Baby Cot Bed's Hyperstore. We can discuss your options. We can help you select the most stylish, safe cot that will develop with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top choice. It received high marks for its ease of assembly. Gina, a mum tester, said it was "a breeze to assemble - extremely clear and well-illustrated instructions". It also comes with a useful drawer and teething rails plus 3 adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy structure makes it an excellent choice for babies who can sleep all night. It is important to ensure that the cot's slats and frame are properly secured and not too loose.
Check to see if the cot has been certified to be in compliance with British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models and this led to the USA banning some dangerous designs. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side in the upward position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able to pull the side down in order to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, says that any material placed near a Baby Crib should be tucked tightly to reduce the risk of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be left hanging above the cot, since they could be strangulation hazards and infants could catch their heads against them when they roll over during their sleep.
This minimalistic cot-bed is a bargain but it's actually quite durable. It's suitable for infants all the way to toddlers. It offers a variety of mattress base positions and can be easily converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It's also a great option for parents with ceilings that slope because it comes with lockable castors to prevent the cot from falling down.
This wooden cot bed in vintage style is another cot that is easily transformed. It can be used by children from birth to age 4. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it will not get stuck in corners, and it can easily fit into standard door frames. By removing the bars, it is possible to transform the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
A high-quality piece that's an excellent investment This curved cot is available in off-white or stylish green and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's an excellent option for parents who value durability, since it can be transformed into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and turning into a twin bed for older children by cutting off the front rails. It's also extremely durable and comes with a storage compartment with teething rails as well as a handy hanger for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
There are a variety of options on the market, whether you need additional storage space for your baby's bedding, clothing or a design that can expand with them. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds, so that you can easily switch when your child has outgrown them. Some come with built-in drawers for storage and some have a changing station!
It's handy to have a cot with drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins, and other things that your child loves. It is also easier to tidy up, as everything is all in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips along the sides - ideal for infants who are teething!
If you're looking to save money but still want a stylish and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's simple and slimline aesthetic that'll fit well in most rooms. It can be used with an ordinary cot bed and has three adjustable heights for the base, allowing it to grow along with your child. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by taking off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to construct (one of our testers complained that the instructions were not clear) Once it's assembled, it is lightweight and sturdy. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting function that can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a range of colours, so you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery if you want a coordinated appearance.
Cots with Storage
A cot that has storage is ideal for those who want to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight but within easy reach. These cots have drawers to store the essentials. Some come with a teething bar as well as rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the style of your cot you might be able to turn it into an best infant cribs bed or a day bed when your child is ready for an upgrade or transform into a junior bed when your baby turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a part of the family for many years. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.
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 sale cot is simple in design, but it comes with a variety of features like an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
For a more advanced 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 by expert advice from international sleep consultants. It's an investment, though it could be out of budget for many families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.