Cots protect babies from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and cot. They shouldn't have protrusions or sharp edges.
Most cots have 4 secured sides, so you can be certain that your baby is safe at all times. They usually come in a fixed size and may be converted into a toddler bed when your child gets older.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be installed beside the parents' bed, allowing them a view of their baby while they sleep. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over the sides. However, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a safety hazard and therefore they need to be removed in order to prevent your child from falling off of the bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner that helps to save space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and secure place for your Baby Crib to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually on wheels or castors that enable you to move them around easily.
Many cots are basic and straightforward. Some come with extra features like teething rails or storage drawers. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials because they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is important to keep them free of any stuffed animals or pillows, since they can cause children to drown.
A cot-bed is a larger version of a cot with a removable side and end panels. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed once your child is old enough to leave it. This feature is especially useful if you are expecting to have more than one child since it removes the need to switch between various types of furniture and saves money on separate beds. Most cribs are suitable from birth until your infant is two years old, based on their size and weight.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect if you suffer from back pain because it means you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is crucial as back pain is one of the most common problems amongst new mothers and pregnant women particularly those who have suffered back injuries in the past.
This type of cot means that your baby can be reached more easily during the day without you having to be concerned about your back or lifting them. However, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the cot is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child isn't able to get out.
If you're not sure which cot is best for your child's needs We suggest contact us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can talk through your options. We can help you choose the most stylish and safe cot that will evolve with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being easy to construct. Mum tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct with very clear instructions and pictures". It also comes with a practical teething rails and drawers, plus three adjustable mattress height positions.
The cot is a great option for babies who are able to sleep all at night. However, you must ensure whether the cot is constructed from a sanitized material such as solid wood and that the slats are secured properly and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot is certified as meeting British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested in the same way as UK models which led to the USA ban on certain unsafe designs. Choose a cot that locks automatically the drop side when it is in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your child from pulling the side down and get out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that works to end sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any fabric placed near a baby should be tucked tightly to prevent the risk of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging over the cot, as they pose a strangulation risk and babies can catch their heads on them when they slumber during their sleep.
A low-cost purchase that's robust, this cot bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It comes with a wide variety of mattress base positions and can be easily converted into an infant cot bed bed by removing one side panel. It's also a good option for parents with sloped ceilings since it has castors that lock to prevent the cot from falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until 4 years old. The unique oval shape of the cot means that it won't be snagged in corners, and can easily fit into the standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a stylish bench bed for older children by taking the bars off.
This curve-shaped cot-bed is an excellent investment that can be an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in stylish green and off-white. It's a great choice for parents who value longevity, since it can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and into a twin bed for a child who is older by removing the front rails. It's also extremely robust and comes with a storage drawer, teething rails and an easy hanging rail to hang muslins or blankets.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or you need a design that can evolve with your child There are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds, making the transition over simple when your child outgrows it. Other cots have built in drawers for storage and others even include a changing station included!
A cot with drawers is handy to store everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets, and it can also make tidying up easier as you can keep everything in the same space. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips on the sides - great for babies who are teething!
If you're on a tight budget but still need a chic and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It's slimline and simple design will fit in most rooms. It can be used with a standard cot bed and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base, allowing it to grow along with your child. It can be made into a toddler's bed by cutting off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that accompany it.
It's not easy to put together (one of our test subjects said that the instructions weren't clear) However, once it's constructed it is light and long-lasting. It also comes with a benefit: a tilting function which can help with reflux or colic. It's also available in a range of colors, meaning you can match it with other nursery furnishings to create a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
A Mini Cot Bed that has storage is ideal when you want to keep your baby's toys and bedding out of view but still within reach. They usually have a drawer that can keep a variety of items and some even have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets as well as a teething rail to protect the cot sides from your little one's teething inclinations.
You may be able transform your cot into daybed or toddler bed when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to transform into a junior bed when your baby turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a family member for a long time. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a stylish cot that can be used for infants up to 2 years old. It will also grow with your child. The classic cot is minimalist in appearance but comes with plenty of features, including an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. It's also easy to put together thanks to alphabetically labeled components and excellent instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to better sleep it's a cot, bassinet, and moses basket in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed with expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's an investment, however it could be out of budget for many families. The full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.