10 Meetups Around Baby Cot You Should Attend

Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?

Cots stop children from falling out of bed or becoming suffocated when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.

Most cots come with four secure sides to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. Many cots come in a fixed-size and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child gets older.

Standard Cots

Standard cots are perfect for smaller nursery settings and can be easily fitted alongside parents' beds, allowing them to watch their baby whilst they rest. These cots are designed to be safe and secure with fixed sides that stop infants from climbing over the sides. But, once babies can crawl and stand up, the 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 have a circular shape that helps to in reducing 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. They are portable and usually have castors or wheels so that you can move them around.

Some cots come with extra features like teething rails or drawers but most are basic. 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 these can pose danger of suffocation for young children.

A cot bed is a larger version of the cot which features removable sides as well as an end panel, which means it can be turned into a toddler bed once your child is no longer using it. This feature is especially useful when you are planning to have more than one best baby cots since it makes it easier to change between different types and reduces costs by not purchasing separate beds. Most cot beds (continue reading this..) are suitable from the moment your baby is born until the time he is around two years old, based on their size and weight.

Drop-side Cots

If you are suffering from back pain, a cot with drop-sides is the ideal alternative. It won't require you to bend over the side. This is important since back problems are one of the most frequent problems for new mothers and pregnant women, especially those who have suffered back injuries in the past.

This kind of cot means that your baby will be easily reached during the day without needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. It is important to ensure that there is a minimum of 4 cm between the base and the mattress to avoid your child from climbing out.

If you're unsure which cot is right for your child's needs we suggest calling us at Baby's Hyperstore. We can talk through your options. We can help you choose an elegant, safe cot that grows with your child, meeting all safety standards required by law.

Our top choice is the John Lewis Elementary cot which scored excellent marks in our tests for its ease to put together. Mum tester Gina said that it was "a dream to construct - very clear instructions with pictures". It also comes with a practical teething rails and drawers, plus three adjustable mattress height positions.

The cot is an excellent option for babies who are able to sleep all at night. But make sure that the cot is made from a safe material like solid wood, and that the slats are fixed properly and not too loose.

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

Corner Cots

While photos of styled nursery pictures might show blankets that are artistically wrapped around a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, all fabrics that are placed near the baby should be pulled in tightly to avoid the possibility of being suffocated. Red Nose advises that curtains or blinds should not be left hanging above the cot as they could be strangulation hazards and children could get their heads on them if they slumber during their sleep.

A budget-friendly purchase that's sturdy, this minimalistic cot 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 is also a great choice for parents with sloped ceilings, as it has lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.

Another cot that is easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed is used from birth until 4 years old. Its unique oval shape ensures that it will not get caught in corners and can easily fit into the standard door frames. The cot can be turned into a stylish bench-style bed for a child who is older by simply lifting the bars.

This curve-shaped best cot bed-bed is an excellent investment that will create an outstanding centerpiece for any nursery. It is available in a stylish green and off-white. It's a great option for parents who appreciate durability, since it can be made into an infant bed by removing the sides and turning into a twin bed for an older child by taking out the front rails. It is also extremely durable and includes a storage compartment with teething rails as well as a handy hanger for blankets and muslins.

Cots with Drawers

There are many options available on the market, whether you need extra storage for your baby's clothing or bedding or a design that could expand with them. Some cots convert into toddler beds, making the transition over easy when your child outgrows it. Other cots have built in drawers for storage, and some have a changing area included!

A crib with drawers is ideal to keep everything your baby's favorite toys, muslin towels or blankets in, and it also makes tidying up easier because you can put everything in the same place. A lot of these cots come with anti-bite plastic strips on the sides, which are great for teething babies!

The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option if you're on a budget but still want a chic, practical cot. It's a simple and slimline aesthetic that'll be a good cribs fit in any room. It can be used with a standard cot bed and comes with three heights adjustable for the base, allowing it to grow as your child grows. It can be converted into a bed for toddlers by cutting off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to accompany it.

It's not an easy thing to put together (one of our testers complained that the instructions weren't clear) however, once built it's light and durable. It also has an added benefit: a tilting function that can aid in treating reflux or colic. It's also available in a range of colors, so you can coordinate it with other nursery furnishings to create a coordinated appearance.

Cots with Storage

If you wish to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from sight however, they are still within reach, a cot that has storage options is the best rated cribs choice. The cots come with a drawer to store all the essentials. Some also come with a bar for teething and rails for blankets or muslins.

Based on the design of your cot, you may be able to turn it into an infant bed or a day bed if your child is ready for a change and some transform into a junior bed when your child is five. This gives you great value for money and will ensure that your cot will remain part of the family for years to come, but be sure to verify the dimensions to ensure it's appropriate for your nursery before buying.

If you're looking for a chic cot that can be used from birth to 2 years and will grow with your child take a look at the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. The classic cot features a simple design, but it comes with numerous features, including an under-bed drawer to store items, a teething rail, and adjustable height levels. The cot is easy to put together, with alphabetically labeled parts and clear instructions.

For a more advanced sleep solution, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket in one. It's designed to revolutionize how babies sleep, and includes expert advice from international experts. The cost is expensive and may not be within the budget of many families. Our full review will tell you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.