Baby Cot Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots stop children from falling out of bed or dying when they fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have protrusions or sharp edges.

Most cots are designed with four secure sides to ensure your baby's security at all times. Many cots come in fixed-size and can be made into a toddler bed when your child gets older.

Standard Cots

Standard cots can be easily installed alongside the parents' bed, giving them a view of their child while they sleep. They are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that stop children from climbing over the sides. However, once babies can crawl and stand up, these sides become a danger to safety and therefore they need to be removed to prevent your child from falling off of the bed or injuring themselves.

Cots are generally circular in shape to reduce 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 able to be easily moved between spaces and are often on wheels or castors that allow you to move them easily.

A lot of cots are basic and straightforward. Some have extra features such as teething rails or drawers for storage. The most durable cots are constructed of natural materials as these are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of toys and pillows as they could pose the risk of suffocation to children who are still young.

A cot-bed is a bigger version than a cot, with sides that can be removed and end panels. It can be converted into a toddler's bed when your child grows out of it. This feature is particularly useful if you expect to have more than one baby since it makes it easier to change between different types and can save money by not having to buy separate beds. Most cot beds can be used from birth until your infant is about two years old, depending on their weight and size.

Drop-side Cots

A cot that has a drop side is ideal if you suffer from back pain as it means you aren't bending over the side as much. Back back pain is a common occurrence for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially when they've had back injuries in the past.

This kind of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day without lifting them or be concerned about your back. But, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the cot is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child can't climb out.

We recommend that you contact us at Baby's Hyperstore if are unsure about which cot is best crib for your requirements. We will be happy to discuss your options. We can assist you in choosing a stylish and safe cot that will grow along with your child and meet all the mandatory safety standards.

Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which was a top performer in our tests for its ease to construct. Gina, a mum tester has said that it was "a simple assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". It comes with teething rails and a drawer for storage and three different positions for the mattress's height.

The cot is a great option for babies who are able to sleep all at night. But you should check that the cot is made from a safe material like solid wood and that the slats have been fixed properly and not too loose.

Another thing to check for is whether the cot is certified to meet British safety standards. Before 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this led to dangerous designs being outlawed in the USA. Look for a model that auto locks the drop side when it is in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock, which prevents your child from being able to pull the side down and get out.

Corner Cots

While photos of styled nursery pictures might show blankets that are artistically draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, any fabrics placed in the vicinity of the baby should be tucked in tightly to avoid the danger of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the cot as they can strangle babies or cause them to fall on their heads as they move around in their sleep.

A low-cost purchase that's robust, this crib bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It can be made into a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a good choice for parents with ceilings that slope because it comes with castors that can be locked to stop the cot from falling down.

Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from birth until 4 years old. It features a unique oval shape which means it won't get stuck in corners and will easily fit through door frames that are standard. The cot can also be transformed into a chic bench-style bed for a child who is older by simply taking the bars off.

A top-quality piece that's an excellent investment, this curved cot bed is available in off-white or fashionable green and will be the focal point of any nursery. It is a great choice for parents looking for a long-lasting product. It can be converted into a toddler's bed by removing its sides and then into a twin bed for a child who is older when the front rails are removed. It is 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 extra storage for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that could grow with them. Some cots can be converted into toddler beds so that you can easily switch when your child is old enough to use them. Others have built-in drawers to store things and some include a changing station!

A cot with drawers is handy for keeping all your little one's favourite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets. It can also make tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one location. A majority of these cots feature anti-bite plastic strips on the sides - great for babies who are teething!

If you're on a budget but still need a chic and practical cot, the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. Its slim and minimalist design will work in the majority of rooms. It takes a standard crib mattress and has three heights that can be adjusted to grow with your baby. It can be made into a toddler's bed by taking off the side panel. There are furniture pieces that go along with it.

Although it can be tricky to construct (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) Once it's assembled, it is lightweight and sturdy. It comes with a further feature: a tilting feature which can help with reflux and colic. Plus, it's available in lots of different colours too so you can match it to other furniture for your nursery to create a coordinated style.

Cots with Storage

If you'd like to keep your Baby beds's toys and bedding away from sight, but still within easy reach, a cot with storage options is the Best cot for newborn choice. They come with an area to store the essentials. Some also come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.

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

If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth until two years old and will develop with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh Cotbed. The classic cot is minimalist in design but offers plenty of features like 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 is a high-tech solution for a better sleep it's a cot, moses basket, and bassinet all in one. It's designed to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed with expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's a significant investment, however it could be out of budget for many families. Our full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.