Guide To Baby Cot: The Intermediate Guide On Baby Cot

Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots are designed to stop infants from falling out of their beds, or suffocating if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.

Most cots come with four sides that are secure, ensuring your baby's safety throughout the day. Many cots come in fixed-sizes and can be converted into a toddler bed when your child grows.

Standard Cots

Standard cots can be easily installed alongside the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their child as they lay down. They have sides that are fixed to stop babies from climbing over them. But, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and should be removed to prevent your child from falling out of bed or hurting themselves.

Cots are shaped in a circular manner, which helps in reducing space. They are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are easy to transport and usually have castors or wheels so you can move them around.

Some cots have extra features such as drawers with teething rails or teething rails but most are basic. Natural materials are the best because they are durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of toys and pillows as these can pose a risk of suffocation for children who are still young.

A cot-bed is a bigger 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 particularly useful in the event that you plan to have more than one baby because it means you don't have to change between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth to about two years old, depending on the weight and size of your infant.

Drop-side Cots

If you suffer from back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the best option. You won't have to bend over the side. This is important since back problems are one of the most frequent problems for new mothers and pregnant women especially those who previously hurt their backs.

This kind of cot lets you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without having to lift them or be concerned about your back. It is essential to ensure that there is at least 4cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from escaping.

We suggest you call us at Baby's Hyperstore if aren't sure which the best cot for your needs. We can talk about your options. We can help you select the most stylish and safe cot that can grow along with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.

Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which received excellent marks in our tests for being easy to construct. Mum tester Gina said that it was "a dream to build - very clear instructions with pictures". It comes with teething rails, a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.

The cot is an excellent option for babies who are able to sleep all at 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 correctly and not loosened.

Another thing to look for is whether the cot has been certified as being in compliance with British safety standards. 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 and requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your baby from being able to pull the side down and get out.

Corner Cots

Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant deaths, any fabrics that are placed near the baby should be pulled into a tight swaddle to avoid the possibility of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds shouldn't be left hanging over the crib as they could strangle babies or cause them to hit their heads as they move around in their sleep.

A budget-friendly purchase that's robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It offers a variety of mattress bases and can easily be converted into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It is also a great option for parents with ceilings that slope, since it is equipped with lockable castors to prevent the cot falling down.

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

A high-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 top option for parents who appreciate durability, since it can be converted into a toddler bed by removing the sides, and then into a twin bed for an older child by cutting off the front rails. It is also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment as well as teething rails and an excellent hanger for blankets or muslins.

Cots with Drawers

There are many options available on the market, whether you need extra storage for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that can expand with them. Some cots can be converted 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 have a changing area included!

A cot with drawers is handy to store everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets in, and it also makes tidying up easier because you can put everything in the same space. Many of these cots have anti-bite strips of plastic on the side too - perfect for teething babies!

If you're on a tight budget but still require a stylish and practical cot then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's slimline and simple design will fit in the majority of rooms. It is compatible with the standard mattress for a cot and comes with three adjustable heights for the base to grow with your baby. It can be converted into an infant 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 build (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions weren't clear) after it's put together, it's light and durable. It has an additional feature: a tilting feature that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's also available in a variety of colors, so you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery for a cohesive look.

Cots with Storage

A cot with storage is perfect for those who want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of sight but easily accessible. These cots usually feature a drawer that can keep a variety of items and some come with hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets as well as a teething rail to protect the sides of your cot from your child's teething inclinations.

You may be able convert your cot into a daybed or toddler bed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots can even become a junior bed after your child reaches 5. This gives you great value for money and will ensure that your cot will be part of the family for years to come, but make certain to look at the dimensions to make sure it's a good fit for your nursery before buying.

Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a stylish cot that can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It will also grow with your child. This classic crib is simple in its appearance but comes with plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer, teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cot is simple to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.

For a more high-tech sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It is set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from experts from around the world. It's an investment, however it could be priced out of the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.