Baby Cot: A Simple Definition

Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots are designed to keep babies from falling out of their beds or dying in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should not have protrusions or sharp edges.

The majority of cots have four secure sides, so you can be certain that your baby is safe throughout the day. A lot of cots are available in fixed-sizes 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 baby while they sleep. These affordable cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that stop children from climbing over the sides. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling on the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.

Cots are typically circular to help reduce space and are also smaller than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a comfortable and secure space for your baby to sleep in. They are able to be easily moved between rooms and are usually mounted on wheels or on castors to enable you to move them with ease.

Some cots have extra features like teething rails or drawers but many are simple and basic. The best cot beds cots (read more on Yourbookmark`s official blog) are made of natural materials because they are more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They should be kept free of stuffed toys or pillows as they could pose a risk of suffocation for young children.

A cot bed is a more spacious version of a cot that includes removable sides and an end panel, which means it can be converted into a toddler bed when your child has outgrown it. This feature is especially useful if you are expecting to have more than one child as it will eliminate the need to switch between various kinds of furniture and helps save money by purchasing separate beds. The majority of cot beds can be used from birth until around two years old depending on the size and weight of your infant.

Drop-side affordable cots

If you suffer from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the ideal option. You won't need to bend as much over the side. This is important as back problems are one of the most common issues among new mothers and pregnant women particularly those who have previously hurt their backs.

This type of cot means that your baby will be reached more easily throughout the day without you needing to worry about your back or lifting them. However, you need to make sure that the distance between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at least 4cm in order that your child can't get out.

If you're not sure which cot is best cot beds for your child's needs We suggest calling us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can discuss your options. We can help you select the most stylish, safe cot that will develop with your child and meet all mandatory safety standards.

Our top pick is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for being simple to put together. Mum tester Gina said it was "a dream to construct - extremely clear instructions with photos". It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails as well as three adjustable mattress height positions.

The cot's sturdiness and sturdy build makes it a good option for babies who sleep through the night. But make sure that the cot is made from a safe material like solid wood, and that the slats have been fixed correctly and not loosened.

Another thing to check for is whether the cot has been inspected as meeting British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same manner as UK models and this has led to unsafe designs being prohibited in the USA. Find a cot with an auto-locking side for the drop in the upward position. It will require two actions to unlock. This will prevent your child from being able pull the side down to climb out.

Corner Cots

While photos of styled nursery pictures may show blankets artistically draped around a cot, according to Red Nose, a charity fighting to stop sudden infant death syndrome, any fabrics that are placed near the baby should be pulled in tightly to avoid the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the crib as they could strangle babies or cause them to crash their heads when they roll around in their sleep.

A low-cost purchase that's robust, this crib bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It comes with a wide variety of mattress base positions and can be easily transformed into a toddler bed by taking off one side panel. It's also a great choice for parents with high ceilings that slope. It comes with lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.

Another cot that's simple to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from birth until the child is 4 years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it won't be snagged in corners, and can easily fit into the standard door frames. The cot can also be converted into a stylish bench-style bed for an older child by simply taking the bars off.

This curving cot-bed is a high-quality investment that will make a stunning centrepiece for any nursery. It comes in a stylish green and off-white. It is a great choice for parents who are seeking a durable item. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by removing its sides and then into a twin bed for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also incredibly durable and comes with a storage drawer as well as teething rails, as well as a handy hanging rail for muslins or blankets.

Cots with Drawers

There are numerous options on the market, whether you're looking for extra storage space for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that could expand with them. Some cots can be turned into toddler beds so that you can quickly switch them out when your child outgrows them. Some come with built-in drawers to store things and some include a changing station!

A cot with drawers is great to store everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin cloths, or blankets, and it helps in tidying up as you can keep everything in one space. Many of these cots have anti-bite plastic strips on the side too - perfect for teething babies!

The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It has a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll be a good fit in any room. It can be used with a standard cot mattress and has three adjustable base heights to allow your baby to grow with it. It can be made into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a range of matching furniture to go with it.

Although it's not easy to build (one of our testers noted that the instructions weren't clear) Once it's assembled, it's light and durable. It also has a unique feature: a tilting function which can aid with colic and reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors so you can match it to other furniture in the nursery in the event that you want an aesthetically pleasing look.

Cots with Storage

If you want your baby's bedding and toys out of sight, but still within easy reach, a cot with storage is ideal. They come with an area to store the essentials. Some are also equipped with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.

Depending on the style of your cot, you may be able to transform it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change or turn into a junior bed once your baby turns five. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a member of the family for a long time. Be sure to check the dimensions prior to buying to ensure that it is suitable in your nursery.

Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a stylish cot that can be used for infants from 2 to 2 years old. It will also grow with your child. The classic cot features an unassuming design, however it has numerous features, including an under-bed drawer to store items and a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is simple to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.

If you are looking for a more modern sleep solution The SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed up by the expertise of international sleep experts. It's an investment, however, and may be out of budget for many families. You can read more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our full review.