Cots are designed to stop children from getting out of bed or dying if they fall into gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should not have sharp edges or protrusions.
The majority of cots have four secure sides to ensure your baby's security throughout the day. They usually come in an unchanging size, and can be converted to an infant bed as your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots are ideal for small nurseries and can be installed alongside the beds of parents which allows parents to keep an eye on their child as they sleep. They have sides that are fixed to stop babies from stepping over them. However, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, these sides become a safety hazard and therefore they need to be removed in order to prevent your child from falling off of the their bed or causing injury to themselves.
Cots are usually circular in shape to help save space and are smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and safe place for your child to sleep. They are portable and typically come with wheels or castors so you can move them around.
Some cots have extra features, like drawers or teething rails, but many are simple and basic. Natural materials are the best as they are durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of any toys or pillows as these can pose danger of suffocation for young children.
A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot which features removable sides as well as an end panel. This means it can be converted into a toddler bed once your child has outgrown it. This feature is particularly beneficial if you expect to have more than one baby because it means you don't have to switch between different types of beds and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. The majority of cot-beds are suitable from birth to around two years of age, depending on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot that has drop sides is perfect for those who suffer from back pain because it means that you don't have to bend over the side as much. This is crucial as back pain is among the most common issues among pregnant women and new parents, especially those who have previously hurt their backs.
This kind of cot lets you to reach your child more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or be concerned about your back. However, you must make sure that the distance between the base of the cot and the mattress is at least 4cm in order that your child won't be able to climb out.
We suggest that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore in case you are unsure which cot will best suit your requirements. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can help you choose the most stylish and safe cot that can evolve with your child and will meet all required safety standards.
Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for being simple to put together. The mother tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct - extremely clear instructions with photos". It includes teething rails, a drawer for storage and three different mattress height positions.
The cot is a great option for babies that sleep all at night. You should make sure that the cot's slats and frame are properly secured and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot is certified to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this has led to some unsafe designs being banned in the USA. Choose a cot that has an auto-locking drop side that locks in the upward position. It requires two consecutive actions to unlock. This will stop your child from being able pull the side down in order to climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery might show blankets that are artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity that is working to end sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics that are placed near the baby must be tucked in tightly to avoid the possibility of suffocation. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be hung above the cot as they can be strangulating and babies can catch their heads on them when they roll over during their sleep.
This cot-bed that is minimalistic is a low-cost option, but it's surprisingly durable. It's suitable for babies up to toddlers. It has a wide range of mattress base positions and can easily be transformed into an infant bed by removing one side panel. It is also a great option for parents who have high ceilings that slope. It comes with lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from birth until four years old. Its unique oval shape means that it doesn't be snagged in corners, and it can easily fit into doors with standard frames. By removing the bars it is possible to transform the cot into a stylish bed for older children.
A quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot is available in either off-white or stylish green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It's an excellent choice for parents who value durability, since it can be transformed into an infant bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for a child who is older by taking out the front rails. It's also incredibly sturdy and includes storage drawers, teething rails and an ideal hanging rail for blankets or muslins.
Cots with Drawers
If you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or need a design that can grow with them, there are plenty of options available on the market. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds, allowing you to easily switch when your child outgrows them. Some have built-in drawers to store things and some even have a changing station!
A cot with drawers is handy to keep everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets in, and it helps in tidying up because you can put everything in one location. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips on the side too - perfect for babies who are teething!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent choice if you are on a budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It's slimline and minimalist design will work in most rooms. It takes a standard crib mattress and has three adjustable base heights to accommodate the growing baby. It can be made into a bed for toddlers by taking off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to be used with it.
It's not an easy thing to assemble (one of our testers complained that the instructions were unclear) However, once it's constructed it is light and durable. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function that can aid in reducing colic and reflux. It's also available in lots of different colors so you can pair it with other nursery furniture if you're going for a coordinated look.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from view however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage will be ideal. They come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some also come with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins.
Depending on the design of your cot you might be able to convert it into a toddler bed or a day bed when your child is ready for a change or be converted into a junior bed after your child is five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a member of the family for Cots4tots a long time. Make sure you check the dimensions prior to buying to ensure it fits in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a stylish cot that 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, 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 better sleep is a cot moses basket, and bassinet all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep and is backed by the expertise of international sleep consultants. The price is high and may not fit into the budget of a lot of families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.
