20 Myths About Baby Cot: Busted

Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots are designed to prevent children from getting out of bed or becoming suffocated in the event of a fall between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.

Most cots have four secure sides, so you can be sure your baby is safe throughout the day. They often come in a fixed size and may be converted into an infant bed as your child gets older.

Standard Cots

Standard cots offers can be easily installed alongside the parents' bed, allowing parents to see their child while they lay down. They have sides that are fixed to prevent babies from stepping over them. When your baby is capable of standing and crawling over the sides, they pose an hazard to safety and should be removed.

Cots are typically circular in shape to help save space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy to clean and provide a cozy and safe space for your baby to sleep. They are easy to transport and usually have castors or wheels so you can move them around.

Some cots come with extra features, like teething rails or drawers but many are simple and basic. The most durable cots are constructed from natural materials since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is essential to keep them free of stuffed pillows or animals, as they can cause children to drown.

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 turned into a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. This feature is especially useful if you expect to have more than one baby, as it eliminates having to switch between different types of beds and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. Most cribs 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 because 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 type of cot allows you to reach your baby more easily throughout the day, without lifting them or be concerned about your back. However, you must ensure that the gap between the base of the mattress and the base of the cot is at a minimum of 4cm so that your child can't climb out.

If you're not sure the best cot for your child's needs We suggest contact Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We can help you find a safe, stylish cot that can grow with your child, meeting all mandatory 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. Gina mom test-sitting said it was "a easy assembly with very clear and illustrated instructions". It comes with a teething rail as well as a drawer to store things in and three different positions for the mattress's height.

The cot's sturdiness and sturdy construction makes it a great option for babies that sleep through the night. But make sure that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood, and that the slats are secured correctly and not loosened.

Another thing to look for is whether the cot has been inspected as meeting British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same way as UK models, which led to the USA banning certain dangerous designs. Find a cot that locks automatically the drop side when it is in the up position. It will require two consecutive actions to unlock it, which will prevent your baby from being able to pull the side down and get out.

Corner Cots

Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets adorably 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 should be pulled into a tight swaddle to avoid the possibility of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds shouldn't be hung above the cot as they can be strangulating and infants could catch their heads against them when they slumber during their sleep.

A low-cost purchase that's robust, this crib bed is suitable from birth to the age of toddler. It can be made into a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It's also a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings, as it has lockable castors that prevent the cot falling down.

Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed is used from the time of birth until four years old. It features an unique oval shape that means it won't be stuck in corners and will easily fit through standard door frames. The cot can also be converted into a stylish bench-style bed for older children by removing the bars.

A top-quality piece that's a good investment This curved cot is available in either off-white or stylish green and will be the centrepiece of any nursery. It's an excellent choice for parents who value durability, since it can be converted into an infant bed by removing the sides and into a twin bed for an older child by taking out the front rails. It's also incredibly robust and includes storage drawers as well as teething rails, as well as an easy hanging rail to hang muslins or blankets.

Cots with Drawers

There are many options available on the market, whether you're looking for additional storage space for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that can adapt to their needs. Some cots convert to toddler beds, making the switch over simple when your child outgrows it. Some come with built-in drawers for storage, and some include a changing station included!

A Mini Cot Bed with drawers is handy for keeping everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets. It can also make tidying up easier as you can keep everything in the same space. These cots also have anti-bite strips on the sides, which are 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 choice. It's minimalist and sleek design that will work well in all rooms. It can be used with a standard cot and has three heights that can be adjusted for the base, allowing it to grow along with your child. It can be made into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels and there's a selection of matching furniture to go with it.

It's not an easy thing to assemble (one of our testers said that the instructions weren't clear), but once constructed it is light and durable. It has an additional feature: a tilting feature that can aid in reducing reflux and colic. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can coordinate it with other furniture for your nursery to create a coordinated appearance.

Cots with Storage

If you'd like to keep your baby's bedding and toys out of sight however, they are still within reach, a cot with storage options is the best choice. The majority of cots have a handy drawer where you can put away a lot of your essentials and some even have hanging rails for muslin cloths or blankets as well as teething rails to guard the sides of your cot from chewing urges.

You may be able transform your cot into daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to become a junior bed after your baby turns five. This is a the best cots value for money and ensures that your cot will remain an integral part of your family for a long time to come, but be sure to check the dimensions to make sure it's appropriate for your nursery before buying.

If you're looking for a stylish cot that can be used from birth to 2 years and will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxe Sleigh mini cotbed. This classic cot has an unassuming design, however it offers many features like an under-bed drawer that can be used for storage as well as a rail for teething and height levels that can be adjusted. The cot is easy to build, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.

For a more high-tech sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way that babies sleep and is backed up with expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's an investment, however it could be priced out of the budget of many families. Our full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.