10 Factors To Know To Know Baby Cot You Didn't Learn At School
Which Baby Cot is Right For Your Baby? Cots are designed to keep infants from getting out of bed or dying when they fall into the gaps between the mattress and the cot. They should have no sharp edges or protrusions. Most cots are designed with four secure sides to ensure your baby's safety throughout the day. They usually come in an unchanging size, and can be converted into a toddler bed as your child grows. Standard Cots Standard cots are perfect for small nurseries and can be easily installed alongside the beds of parents which allows parents to keep an eye on their baby whilst they sleep. These cots have fixed sides to prevent infants from climbing over them. However, once babies are able to crawl and stand up, the sides can become dangerous 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 are usually circular in shape to help reduce space and are more compact than traditional cots. They are easy-to-clean and provide a safe and comfortable place for your child to sleep. They are portable and usually come with castors or wheels so that you can move them around. Many cots are simple and basic. Some have additional features, like teething rails or storage drawers. The most durable cots are constructed from natural materials since they are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They should be free of stuffed toys or pillows since they can create a risk of suffocation for young children. A cot bed is a bigger version of the cot that includes removable sides and an end panel, meaning it can be transformed into a toddler bed after your child is no longer using it. This feature is particularly useful in the event that you plan to have more than one child since it makes it easier to switch between different types of beds and saves money by not buying separate beds. Most cot beds are suitable from birth until your child is two years old, based on their weight and size. Drop-side Cots If you suffer from back discomfort, a cot that has drop-sides is the best option. You won't have to bend as much over the side. Back pain is a common issue for women who are pregnant and new mothers, especially if they have had back injuries in the past. This type of cot allows your baby to be easily reached during the day without you needing to be concerned about your back or lifting them. You must make sure that there is a minimum of 4 cm between the base and the mattress to stop your child from escaping. If you're unsure which cot is right for your needs, we recommend getting in touch with Baby's Hyperstore to talk through your options. We 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 pick. weblink scored high marks for its ease of assembly. Mom tester Gina said it was “a dream to construct – very clear instructions and pictures”. It also comes with a handy drawer and teething rails, plus three positions for mattress height that can be adjusted. The cot's strength and solid structure makes it an excellent option for babies that can sleep all night. But make sure that the cot is made of a safe material, such as solid wood and that the slats have been fixed in a proper manner and not too loose. Another thing to look for is whether the cot is certified to meet British safety standards. Prior to 2011, US cots were not tested in the same way as UK models and this led to dangerous designs being prohibited in the USA. Find a cot that locks automatically the drop side when in the up position and requires two consecutive actions to unlock it, which will prevent your baby from pulling the side down and get out. Corner Cots Red Nose, an organization which works to stop sudden infant deaths syndrome, advises that any fabric placed near a baby should be tucked tightly to avoid the risk of being suffocated. Red Nose warns that curtains and blinds should not be hung over the crib as they can strangle infants or cause them to fall on their heads as they move around in their sleep. A budget buy that's surprisingly robust, this minimalist cot bed is suitable from birth to toddler age. It comes with a wide variety of mattress bases and is easily transformed into a toddler bed by removing one side panel. It's also a good option for parents with sloped ceilings since it has castors that can be locked to stop the cot from falling down. Another cot that is easy to convert, this old-fashioned wooden cot bed can be used from the time of birth until four years old. It has a unique oval shape which means it won't be stuck in corners and is able to easily fit through standard door frames. The cot can also be converted into a chic bench-style bed for an older child by simply removing the bars. A quality piece that's an excellent investment This curved cot is available in either off-white or fashionable green and is sure to be the centerpiece of any nursery. It's a great option for parents who are looking for a long-lasting product. It can be transformed into a toddler's bed by removing its sides and into a twin for an older child when the front rails are removed. It's also extremely durable and has a storage area as well as teething rails and a handy hanger for blankets or muslins. Cots with Drawers If you're looking to add storage space for your baby's clothes or bedding, or want a design that will adapt to their needs, there are plenty of options on the market. 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 even come with a nappy changing station! It's handy to have a cot with drawers for all the blankets, toys, muslins or other things that your child will love. It can also make it easier to clean up, as everything is all in one place. These cots also have anti-bite strips along the sides – ideal for babies who are teething! If you're looking to save money but still want a stylish and practical cot, then the Ikea Sniglar is a good option. It has a minimalist design that's slim and will work well in all rooms. It can be used with an ordinary cot bed and comes with three heights adjustable for the base, allowing it to grow with your child. It can be transformed into an infant bed by removing one of the side panels, and there's a selection of matching furniture to go with it. Although it can be a bit difficult to construct (one of our testers complained that the instructions were not clear) Once it's assembled, it's light and durable. It also has a unique feature: a tilting feature which can aid with colic and reflux. It's also available in a variety of colors, meaning you can coordinate it with other nursery furnishings for a cohesive look. 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 that has storage options is the best choice. They come with an area to store the essentials. Some come with a teething bar and rails for blankets or muslins. Based on the design of your cot you might be able to turn it into a toddler bed or a day bed if your child is ready for an upgrade and some transform into a junior bed after your child 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 its dimensions before purchasing to ensure it will fit in your nursery. If you're looking to find a stylish cot that can be used from birth until two years and will grow with your child Look no further than the Obaby Stamford Luxe Cotbed. The classic cot is minimalist in design but offers plenty of features like an under-bed storage drawer, a teething rail and adjustable height levels. It's also simple to assemble with alphabetically labelled components and excellent instructions. For a more high-tech sleep solution for your child, the SNOO Smart Sleeper is baby cot, bassinet and moses basket all in one. It's set to revolutionize the way babies sleep, and is backed up with expert advice from internationally-renowned sleep experts. It's an investment, however it may be priced out of the budget of many families. Learn more about the SNOO Smart Sleeper in our complete review.