11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Acceptable To Use With Your Baby Cot
Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby?
Cots prevent infants from falling out of bed or suffocating when they fall between the mattress and cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions.
Most cots are designed with four secure sides to ensure your baby's security at all times. They often come in the fixed size and could be converted to an infant bed as your child grows up.
Standard Cots
Standard cots can be easily installed beside the parents' bed, allowing them to view their baby while they rest. The cots are designed with fixed sides to prevent babies from stepping over them. However, once babies can crawl and stand up, the sides become a safety hazard and therefore they need to be removed to stop your child from falling out of bed or injuring themselves.
Cots are usually circular to help reduce space and are also more compact than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and offer a safe and comfortable space for your child to sleep. They are able to be easily moved between spaces and are often mounted on wheels or on castors to allow you to move them with ease.
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. It is important to keep them free of stuffed animals or pillows, as they could cause suffocation for children.
A cot bed is a more spacious version of the cot that features removable sides as well as an end panel, meaning it can be transformed into a toddler bed once your baby outgrows 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 saves money by not buying separate beds. Most cot-beds can be used from birth to about two years old dependent on the weight and size of your infant.
Drop-side Cots
A cot with drop sides is perfect if you suffer from back pain as it means you do not have to bend over the side as much. This is crucial as back pain is among the most common problems amongst pregnant women and new parents especially those who previously hurt their backs.
This kind of cot allows you to reach your child more easily throughout the day, without having to lift them or be concerned about your back. However, you need to 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.
If you are unsure about which cot is right for your needs We suggest calling us at Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. sale cot can help you find an elegant, safe cot that will grow with your child and meet all safety standards required by law.
John Lewis Elementary cot is our top choice. It was praised for its easy assembly. Mom tester Gina stated that it was "a dream to construct - very clear instructions with pictures". It also comes with a practical teething rails and drawers, plus three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted.
The cot's sturdiness and sturdy structure makes it an excellent option for babies that do not sleep through the night. It is important to ensure that the cot's slats and frame are properly fixed and not too loose.
Another thing to check for is whether the cot has been certified as meeting British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US models were not tested the same as UK models and this resulted in the USA banning some unsafe designs. Find a cot that auto locks the drop side when it is in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which will prevent your baby from being able to pull the side down and climb out.
Corner Cots
Although photos of a styled nursery may show blankets adorably draped over a cot according to Red Nose, a charity campaigning to eradicate sudden infant deaths, all fabrics that are placed near the baby must be tucked in tightly to reduce the risk of the baby being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be left hanging over the cot since they can strangle babies or cause them to fall on their heads as they move around in their sleep.
This cot-bed that is minimalistic is a budget buy however, it's extremely sturdy. It's suitable for babies to toddlers. It can be made into a toddler's bed by removing a side panel. It is also a great option for parents with ceilings that slope, since it comes with lockable castors that ensure that the cot isn't falling down.
Another cot that is easy to convert, this vintage-style wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until 4 years old. It features a unique oval shape which means it won't be stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through door frames that are standard. By removing the bars, you can convert the cot into a fashionable bed for older children.
A high-quality piece that's a good investment, this curved cot bed 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 made into a toddler bed by removing the sides and into a twin bed for an older child by taking out the front rails. It is also extremely durable and comes with 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 space for your baby's bedding or clothing or a design that can 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 that can be used for storage 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, and it can also make tidying up easier as you can keep everything in one space. Many of these cots have anti-bite strips of plastic on the sides - great for teething babies!
The Ikea Sniglar is an excellent option for those on a tight budget but still want a stylish, practical cot. Its slimline and simple design will fit in most rooms. It can be used with a standard cot and has three adjustable heights for the base to increase along with your child. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by taking off the side panel. There are matching furniture pieces to accompany it.
It's not an easy thing to put together (one of our test subjects said that the instructions were unclear), but once constructed it is light and durable. It comes with a further feature: a tilting function which can help with reflux and colic. It's also available in a variety of colours too so you can pair it with other furniture for your nursery in the event that you want a cohesive appearance.
Cots with Storage
If you'd like to keep your baby's toys and bedding away from sight, but still within easy reach, a cot with storage is ideal. These cots usually feature an easy-to-access drawer where you can keep a variety of items, and some have hanging rails for muslin clothes or blankets and a teething rail to protect the cot sides from your little one's tooth-gnashing urges.
You might be able to transform your cot into a daybed or toddler when your child is old enough to upgrade. Some cots are able to transform into a junior bed when your child turns 5. This is a great way to save money and make your cot a part of the family for many years. Be sure to verify the dimensions prior to purchasing to ensure it fits in your nursery.
Obaby's Stamford Luxe Cotbed is a chic cot which can be used for babies up to two years old. It will also grow with your child. The classic cot features an unassuming design, however it comes with numerous features, including an under-bed drawer to store items as well as a rail for teething and adjustable height levels. 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 a baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize how babies sleep, and comes with expert advice from international consultants. The cost is expensive and might not be within the budget of some families. Our full review will give you more about the SNOO smart sleeper.