Cots protect children from falling out of bed or becoming suffocated when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four solid sides, which means you can be certain that your baby is safe throughout the day. Many cots are available in fixed-sizes and can be made into a toddler bed as your child grows.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for small nurseries and can be easily placed on top of parents' beds and allow parents to watch their baby whilst they rest. These cots are designed to be safe and Cots4Tots secure with fixed sides that stop babies from climbing on the sides. However, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides become a safety hazard and must be removed to prevent your child from falling off of the bed or hurting themselves.
Cots are shaped in a circular manner that helps to reduce space. They are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and secure space for your baby to sleep in. They are easily portable and often have castors or wheels so you can move them around.
Certain cots are equipped with additional features, like drawers or teething rails, however, many are basic and basic. The most durable cots are constructed from natural materials since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is crucial to keep them free of stuffed pillows or animals, as they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of the cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel. This means it can be transformed into a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly useful when you are planning to have more than one child, as it eliminates having to switch between different types and saves money by not buying separate beds. The majority of cot-beds are suitable from birth until around two years of age, depending on the size and weight of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
If you have back discomfort, a cot that has a drop-side is the best alternative. You won't need to bend as much over the side. This is crucial as back problems are one of the most common issues among new mothers and pregnant women especially those who suffered back injuries in the past.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or worry about your back. It is important to make sure that there is at least 4cm between the base and the mattress to avoid your child from escaping.
If you're not sure which cot is best for your needs, we recommend getting in touch with us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can talk through your options. We can help you choose an attractive and safe cot that can evolve with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.
Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being easy to construct. Gina mom test-sitting has said that it was "a breeze to assemble - very clear and illustrated instructions". It comes with teething rail, a drawer for storage and 3 different mattress height positions.
The cot is a good option for babies who sleep all at night. It is important to ensure that the slats of the cot's frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to look for is whether the cot has been certified to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models, which resulted in the USA banning certain unsafe designs. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side that locks in the upward position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able pull the side down to climb out.
Corner Cots
Red Nose, an organization that campaigns to eradicate sudden infant deaths syndrome, states that any material placed near babies should be tucked tightly to avoid the risk of suffocation. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not 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.
This cot-bed that is minimalistic is a bargain but it's actually quite robust. It's suitable for babies up to toddlers. It offers a variety of mattress bases and can easily be transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a great option for parents with ceilings that slope, since it has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.Another cot that's easy to convert, this vintage-style 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 get stuck in corners and can easily fit into the standard door frames. By removing the bars, you can transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
A 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 choice for parents who value longevity, since it can be made into a toddler bed by taking out the sides and turning into a twin bed for an older child by taking out the front rails. It's also incredibly durable and includes storage drawers as well as teething rails, as well as an easy hanging rail to hang blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
Whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding, or want a design that will adapt to their needs, there are plenty of options on the market. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the transition over simple when your child is no longer in the habit of using it. Other cots include drawers built in to store things in and some come with a changing station included!
It's handy to have a cot that has drawers for all the toys, blankets, muslins or other things that your child enjoys. It is also easier to tidy up, as everything is all in one spot. The cots also come with anti-bite strips on their sides - ideal for teething infants!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget and nevertheless want a stylish and practical cot. It's simple and slimline aesthetic that'll fit well in most rooms. It takes the standard crib mattress and has three heights that can be adjusted to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be transformed into a bed for toddlers by removing the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to be used with it.
Although it can be a bit difficult to put together (one of our test subjects complained that the instructions were not clear) after it's put together, it's lightweight and strong. It also comes with an added benefit: a tilting feature that can aid in treating reflux or colic. Plus, it's available in lots of different colors, so you can match it to other nursery furniture to create a cohesive appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you want your baby's toys and bedding away from sight, but still within easy reach, a cot that has storage will be ideal. These cots usually feature a handy drawer where you can store lots of essentials, and some have hanging rails to hang muslin cloths or blankets, as well as a teething rail to protect the sides of your cot from chewing urges.
Based on the style of your cot you might be able to transform it into a toddler bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change or transform into a junior bed once your child turns five. This is a great option to save money and make your cot a part of the family for a long time. Be sure to verify its dimensions before purchasing to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxury Cotbed is a fashionable cot which can be used for babies up to two years old. It can also grow with your child. This classic cot is simple in design but offers plenty of features including an under-bed storage drawer for clothes, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper, a cutting-edge solution to get a better night's sleep is a cot bassinet, and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionise the way babies sleep and is backed by expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's a significant investment, however it may be out of budget for many families. You can learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.
